Last four would be incredible, says Power coach

Peninsula Power have possibly a “once-in-a-career” opportunity this weekend, says coach Rick Coghlan.

Power has reached the Australia Cup quarter-finals for the first time with heavyweights Sydney United visiting AJ Kelly Park on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

The biggest day in Power’s history will be covered by five television cameras and officials hope 2000 fans packed into the Kippa-Ring ground.

Sydney, which started as Sydney Croatia, has a big following and this week called on fans at its sister clubs in Queensland, Gold Coast Knights and Brisbane Knights, to turn out on Sunday.

Online tickets: $10 adults, $5 children, $5 concessions, $25 family (2 adults, two children). Gate admissions will be higher. To book tickets click here

Though league success will always be his priority, Coghlan said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to get to the (last) eight of the cup. Reaching the (last) four would be incredible - once in a career.

“I enjoy cup games. I try and enjoy the week. In my opinion it’s about the players. Cup week's for them to enjoy. We’ll create a good environment and go for it.

“We won’t do anything different. It will be business as normal. We will prepare for the game as best we can … and give it our best crack.”

Coghlan described Sydney United as a “really strong outfit which may have had a disappointing season (in NSW NPL) by their standards”.

“But they have some incredible players, plenty of talent across the park and like to play,” he said.

“They beat (A-League) Western United on penalties (in the round of 16), pushing them all the way and got the result.

“We’re all form sides at this stage of the cup. That’s why we’re in the eight. Our aim is to galvanise the home support, enjoy the event and use that to spur us on.”

Power warmed-up for Sunday with a 3-1 victory at Gold Coast United on Wednesday, a result which guaranteed a top-four finish in the NPL Qld.

If Easts beat second-placed Gold Coast Knights by three goals or more on Saturday, Power may move into the runners-up spot behind Lions.

Power’s path to the national quarter-finals (their previous best was the Round of 32 in 2017 and 2021) has been tough with Sunday’s tie their seventh of the season.

It started in the South-East Queensland Round 4 with a 9-0 victory at FQPL2 Surfers Paradise, before beating NPL Qld sides Gold Coast Knights 2-0 and Gold Coast United 2-1.

Rochedale, promoted from FQPL1, were beaten 02-0 in round seven to secure a place in the national 32, where NSW Spirit, from NPL2 NSW, were overcome 4-1.

That set up the Round 16 tie with Green Gulley, who finished fourth in the NPL Victoria, and took the lead at AJ Kelly Park. But there was a dramatic turn.

Josh Woolley scored direct from a corner (see feature picture) in the 79^th minute of the game and within seconds Alex Smith tapped home a rebound, after the keeper saved a long-range shot.

That secured a place in the quarter-finals which include all A-League ties between Adelaide and Brisbane Roar as well as Macarthur against Wellington. Sydney FC face Oakleigh Cannons.