Power-ing up for the cup

The magic of the cup returns to AJ Kelly Park on Saturday (5pm) with one of the most sought-after prizes in Australian football on the line.

Peninsula Power are one win from the FFA Cup’s Round of 32, the first national round of the country’s premier knockout competition.

Standing in the way are their closest NPL rivals Olympic - no strangers to the prestige, profile and revenue of the FFA Cup having made the Round of 16 in 2014 and 2019.

Famous night

Power has made the Round of 32 once, in 2017 when beaten 2-0 by A-League Melbourne City at Moreton Daily Stadium.

The attendance that night of 4017 is a record for Power in what was the biggest single event in it's history.

Coach Aaron Philp, Daniel Cunha and Josh Woolley were part of that team and are still with the club.

“We will prepare the best we can,” coach Aaron Philp said. “Both sides have nothing to lose and will give it their best shot. I think it will be a good game.

“Our club got a lot out of that tie in 2017. We went into camp for several days to prepare and were right in the game until the very end.”

Melbourne City scored in added time at the end of both halves – the 46th and 92nd minutes.

Great opportunity

“It was a huge night for our club and the city of Redcliffe,” said president Craig Feuerriegel.

“The media exposure for our club and the city was extensive with reporters, radio and Fox Sports taking huge interest in our community and club.

“The players relished the opportunity to take on the professionals of our sport in front of our supporters.”

Power go into the tie on top of the NPL Qld with 12 wins from 12 games. Olympic are in second place. 

The last five fixtures between the sides have all been won by the visiting team, including this season’s first meeting at Goodwin Park.

Alex appointed

Peninsula Power has also appointed Alex Smith as its Head of the Women’s Football Program and NPLW Head Coach.

Smith will also oversee player recruitment, coaching education, junior girls’ academy and female player development.

The AFC A licenced coach has moved back to Brisbane after working at Melbourne City for the past two years as W-League Assistant Coach and Under14 Head Academy Coach.

Smith played in the US Major League Soccer, Malaysia, Australian A-League and NPL. He was part of Brisbane Roar’s W-League coaching team before heading to Victoria.

Looking forward

“There are no illusions as to where the program is at, my job is to show everyone where we are going and how we will get there. It is a challenge I look forward to taking on,” he said.

“My aim is to create the most professional environment I can, using all the resources the club has to offer.”

Peninsula Power President Craig Feuerriegel said: “This has been a goal of the club to secure a coach with the experience and passion for women’s football as we continue to rebuild our NPLW program.

"Our club is very committed to the development and progression of the women’s game.”

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