Power-ing up for huge cup clash

Above: Coach Aaron Philp and strikers Jheison Macuace and Niyah Joseph. Pictures Blackstone Media

Peninsula Power is gearing up for a “huge night” next week when the national sporting spotlight will shine on AJ Kelly Park.

Power host A-League giants Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, kick-off 7.30pm, in the national Round of 32 in the Hahn Australia Cup.

Wanderers have current and former internationals, a huge supporter base and is the only Australian team to have won the Asian Champions League.

It is the fifth time in nine years Power has made the Australia Cup national round – reaching the quarter-finals in 2022 - and fourth time it has drawn A-League opposition.

President Craig Feuerriegal said Power is “looking forward to a big crowd on a huge night” at AJ Kelly Park. 

Tickets are on sale via the club website www.peninsulapower.com.au

The cup tie – to be broadcast on Paramount + - comes with Power also on track for a top four finish and finals football in the NPL Queensland.

Having found form and consistency in recent weeks, Power has moved up to third on the ladder with six matches remaining.

“We have a young group (of players) and have had a lot of games, but our consistency is certainly getting better,” coach Aaron Philp said.”

“Wanderers have a good team, with international players and a very good coach, but we’ll concentrate on our own preparations.

“It will be limited as we play (Wynnum Wolves) on Saturday, so realistically will only have one training night (before facing Wanderers).

“But it shouldn’t be difficult getting motivated to face A-League opposition … and at our place we always think we can win.”

Power has won four and drawn one of its last six games, including beating and drawing (with 10 men for 86 minutes) two-time Premiers and Grand Final winners Gold Coast Knights.

Strikers Niyah Joseph and Jheison Macuace have been key figures with 10 and nine goals respectively to sit third and fourth on the NPL Qld scoring chart.

On Tuesday they will face a Wanderers side which recently signed New Zealand international forward Kosta Barbarouses who has won four A-League titles.

He will join Socceroo Brandon Borrello, who went to St Columban’s College, Caboolture and played for Brisbane Roar before going overseas.

Wanderers also had former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata last season and there were reports he as been offered an extension for 2025-26.