The dream run of FFA Cup minnows Truganina Hornets came to a predictable end after they were played off the park by NPL powerhouse Heidelberg United at Arndell Park Reserve on Saturday.
The Hornets can be proud of their efforts to reach the fourth round, even if they were ousted in a 7-0 rout.
Hornets president Sergio Lunedei told Star Weekly it was a great occasion for his young club, despite the lop-sided scoreline.
“We are five leagues underneath, so I think we did pretty well,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a good experience for the boys.”
It’s not often that a side lets in seven goals and hails its goalkeeper as player of the match.
Sean Sumner was under the pump for the full 90 minutes and managed to pull off a number of fine saves.
The Hornets were only two down at half-time, largely due to Sumner, but cracks in the dam wall appeared early in the second half before bursting open.
“They had a lot of shots on goal,” Lunedei said. “For me, [Sumner] was the man of the match, he did a lot of good stuff at the back.”
The Hornets thought they had scored a goal, but Maker Maker was ruled to be offside.
It was as close as they got to breaching United’s defence. Adam Nuzzaco put in a good shift in the midfield to be the Hornets’ most influential outfielder.
“I think we’ve made a pretty good impression,” Lunedei said.
“We tried to match them and for the first half it worked out, but in the end their fitness levels blew the game out.
“Their players are paid the big bucks, so there had to be a difference.”
The Hornets will quickly turn their
attention to Saturday night’s State League 4 west season opener against Point Cook at Arndell Park Reserve.
This is the bread and butter competition for a side like the Hornets with aspirations of challenging for a title.
“Playing against Heidelberg was more of a satisfaction, but our main focus is on Point Cook and the league. That’s what we’re targeting,” Lunedei said. “I’m pretty confident that I’ve built up a team good enough to win the league.”
With five of their first six matches at home, the Hornets need to get their season off to a hot start.
“They obviously have to be must-win, we don’t want to drop points at home,” Lunedei said.
Werribee City entered the FFA Cup in the fourth round after holding a free pass as an NPL club, but its time in the competition was short-lived. City was beaten 2-0 by Springvale White Eagles at Galvin Park on Saturday.
City’s focus will shift back to the NPL, where it will face Green Gully Cavaliers away on Monday night.
Saturday’s State League season openers
SL3 north-west: Altona City v Hoppers Crossing (HC Kim Reserve, 7pm)
SL4 west: Truganina Hornets v Point Cook (Arndell Park Reserve, 7pm)
