Two Brimbank soccer clubs could meet in the Dockerty Cup final after being placed on opposite sides of the semi-final draw last week.
A pair of wins for the St Albans Saints and the Melbourne Knights could mean a blockbuster clash for local fans.
The Knights will take on NPL side the Bentleigh Greens, while St Albans meets competition giant-killers and State League 1 team South Springvale.
St Albans committee member Joseph Hovanjec says it’s an exciting prospect for soccer in Brimbank.
“It’s an interesting one because under the old National Soccer League we would be the premier league club that was the feeder to the Melbourne Knights,” he said.
“We have played each other when we were in the premier league, and it certainly draws a good crowd. It would be something we’re hoping for.”
But the Saints are by no means taking South Springvale lightly and know they have a tough match on their hands.
South Springvale has had an impressive run through the competition, with the State League 1 team knocking off NPL clubs Pascoe Vale and Hume City. “They have had a history of getting some good players who have played in the old National Soccer League or players who have played top tier,” Hovanjec said.
“They have continually been very competitive in their league.
‘‘We’re taking nothing away from what they have achieved so far. But we know that on our day we can match the top NPL sides.”
The Dockerty Cup semi-final matches will be played next week.
The fixture adds to what is an already a packed schedule for St Albans.
The Saints will take on Parramatta FC in the FFA Cup and continue their quest to climb from seventh on the NPL1 table.
Hovanjec said the club was keeping focus on all three competitions.
“Each game is looked at with its own merit,’’ he said.
“We haven’t lost our eye on promotion in the NPL and we’re keeping an eye on all the other sides.
‘‘The coaches are getting the players focused on each game as it comes.”
Liam Twomey
