Power-ing up for huge cup night

Published 3:30pm 2 August 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Peninsula Power are putting the finishing touches to preparations for one of the biggest matches in the history of AJ Kelly Park.

On Friday night, Wellington Phoenix will be the first A-League side to face Power in a competitive fixture (kick-off 7.30pm) at the Kippa-Ring ground.

Power have battled through four regional qualifying rounds of the Australia Cup to reach the sought-after national Round of 32 for a fourth time.

Tickets are available online. Click here. Fans are urged to buy in advance and avoid queues at the gate, where cash and Eftpos sales will be available.

Unbeaten in their last 11 NPL Qld matches - after struggling for the first eight – Power sits comfortably mid-table with an outside chance of making the finals.

Alex Smith scores Power's second goal in the 79th minute to take the lead against Green Gulley in the Round of 16.

In contrast, Phoenix have just started their pre-season ahead of the A-League, which begins in October.

Aaron Philp, who has been coach in all Power’s previous national-round Australia Cup ties, said: “Our players are looking forward to it.”

“We’ll make the experience as good as we can for them. I think they will be happy playing in familiar surroundings.”

Continuing the trend, Power's five previous national rounds were all home draws, though two were played at Kayo Stadium.

Just 12 months ago Power reached the cup quarter-finals for the first time before losing 1-0 to eventual runners-up Sydney United.

Over and in - Josh Woolley's corner beats the Green Gully keeper in the Round of 16 for Power's equaliser.

Entering Friday’s clash, Philp said he was “happy" defensively after three successive NPL clean sheets and chances created, but not the the impact of six draws.

Information about Wellington Phoenix has been scarce during the early weeks of their pre-season.

This will be their first competitive match under new coach Giancarlo Italiano, replacing Ufuk Talay, who left after three years to seek overseas opportunities.

The ‘Nix are reported to have had two internal matches last month before flying to Brisbane for Friday’s cup tie.

All Australia Cup 2023 Final Rounds matches will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on 10 Play.