Jet-set for Power-packed cup ties

The countdown is gathering pace for the City of Moreton Bay's top two clubs as they prepare for huge cup ties next month.

Moreton Bay United and Peninsula Power are both in the Australia Cup Round of 32 – the competition’s sought-after first national round.

Power face A-League side Wellington Phoenix on Friday August 4, kick-off 7.30pm at AJ Kelly Park. For tickets click here.

Jets host Victorian giants Heidelberg United on Thursday August 10, kick-off 7pm at Wolter Park. For tickets click here.

Power and Jets have the remarkable record of always being drawn at home in the latter stages of the Australia Cup, previously known as the FFA Cup.

“It’s a good draw for the club,” Power’s Head of Senior Football Ben Ryan said. “We don’t play A-League clubs too often. 

"It’s a chance for young players to test themselves.”

Moreton Bay United coach Cameron Millar agreed: “It's a big occasion for the club and great opportunity for the players”.

“Qualifying for this stage of the cup was a priority for us this season and we're pleased to have achieved this.”

It will be Jets’ second time in the national Round of 32, but Power’s fourth time since 2017 and third successive season.

At the time of writing, Power is on a 10-match unbeaten run in the NPL Qld which has lifted them well clear of the relegation zone to mid-table.

Their opponents from New Zealand will arrive during their pre-season ahead of the 2023-24 A-League fixtures, which start in late October.

Jets, who escaped relegation last season, are third in the NPL Qld ahead of tonight's derby against Brisbane City (8pm) and in a finals position.

Opponents Heidelberg are in the lower half of NPL Victoria with coach George Katsakis admitting their league campaign had not gone to “expectation”.

However, ‘Kat’ said he is “delighted” with the club's cup form and Australia Cup Round of 32 draw.

“We were all looking forward to an away trip at this point of the competition,” he said. “We're really exited about the tie.

“We know of Moreton Bay United and know how in recent times they have improved dramatically.”

Heidelberg - which started in 1958 as Alexander The Great Melbourne Soccer Club - is also in the final of Victoria’s Dockerty Cup against Oakleigh on August 4

Jets and Power's cup ties will both be streamed live on 10Play.