Power's 'magical' cup draw

The magic of the FFA Cup is coming back to Peninsula Power next month.

Power, runaway leaders of the state level NPL, will face A-League Brisbane Roar in Australia’s top knockout competition.

Though drawn at home, Power will switch the tie from AJ Kelly Park to the Roar’s home ground at Moreton Daily Stadium.

The match will be played on Tuesday August 24, kick-off 7.30pm. Further details about the game are to be announced.

Great spectacle

Power president Craig Feuerriegel described it as a “magical” draw in the sought-after Round of 32.

The club’s only previous match at this stage was in 2017 when 4017 people packed Moreton Daily Stadium to see Power go down bravely 2-0 to A-League Melbourne City.

“Our focus has always been on the league and that will not change, but the cup is a great spectacle being a one-off game,” said Feuerriegel.

“This is really magical. I think it’s even bigger than against Melbourne City. There are bragging rights in the state for the winner.

“I don’t think either side has ever reached the last 16 of the FFA Cup. It’s a first for both clubs.”

Dream draw

It also pitches Power against former player and coach Warren Moon, now in charge at Brisbane Roar, who said it was a “dream draw”.

“It’s exciting. It’s against a team I know a lot about, and a club that has been very supportive of Brisbane Roar in the past 18 months,” Moon said.

“I like the idea that we’re playing in the Redcliffe area as well, so we should get Brisbane Roar fans and Power fans out in force.

“It’s a tournament and we want to win the tournament. The attitude has to be spot on. At the moment they’re in our way.”

Full strength

Brisbane Roar will be in their pre-season phase of the 2021-22 season, but Feuerriegel expects them to field a full-strength side.

“We’re under no illusions it will be a full strength side,” said Power’s president Craig Feuerriegel, “they will have players looking to impress and have a very successful NPL squad.”

Power are 10 points clear at the top of the NPL Qld, with a perfect record from 14 games, despite having last Saturday’s match at Gold Coast United postponed due to the weather.

Their next match is on Saturday when Olympic, who Power beat in the final qualifying round to reach the FFA Cup Round of 32, are back at AJ Kelly Park in the NPL Qld kick-off 5pm.

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