SUNSHINE George Cross is the last non-Victorian Premier League side left in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state knockout cup.
The giantkilling Georgies reached the semi finals for the second year running by toppling Richmond Eagles 3-1 away at Kevin Bartlett Reserve on Tuesday night.
They will now face 2012 Premier League champions Dandenong Thunder for a place in the final against either Green Gully Cavaliers or South Melbourne .
George Cross coach Tony Ciantar told the Weekly it was an incredible result for his team.
“I’m absolutely delighted for the club and the players,” he said. “It’s a sensational result.”
George Cross had their backs to the wall before a ball was kicked.
They entered the game on a two-day break, while the Eagles match at the weekend was postponed because of poor pitch conditions.
The Eagles also had the benefit of a number of Melbourne Victory youth league players, who are young, fit and skillful.
And for the Eagles, this was the last chance for silverware this season, as they are fighting relegation from the Premier League.
“They wanted to win something and get something out of this season,” Ciantar said.
“That’s the way I prepared my boys, I let them know they had a lot to play for and Richmond were fresh from having the weekend off.
“It was always going to be tough, but I told the boys if they would give me their blood on Tuesday night, I would would give them Thursday night [off].
“They played their hearts out.”
Ross Thomson was telling for George Cross in central midfield.
He controlled the tempo with his calmness under pressure and connected on the bulk of his passes.
“He played one of his best games for the club,” Ciantar said.
Zoran Petrevski, one of the three Georgies’ goalscorers with Bobby Lojanica and Trent Waterson, was busy up front, while captain Steve Martin showed his experience at wide midfield role, while defenders Serdar Pir, Ben Shaper and Ryan Davidson hardly put a foot wrong.
Ciantar is confident his side has what it takes to go one step better in the cup than last year.
“A few players left the club and we had a few issues within the playing staff last year, so we found ourselves with a depleted side going into the semi final,” he said.
“This year, all the boys are here, we’ve got a good quality team and plenty of momentum, it’s exciting.”
Meanwhile, Green Gully set up the showdown with South Melbourne by beating FC Clifton Hill 3-2.
