SOCCER – FFA Cup
Falcons 2000 is into the next round of the FFA Cup thanks to a Sam Amaira hat-trick in a decisive 4-2 win away to Rowville Eagles on Sunday.
The second round qualifying match had plenty of controversy with two Rowville players sent off, leaving the home side to play out most of the second-half under manned.
But it was all about Amaira and his commanding display.
“Sammy has done really well,” Falcons 2000 coach Nick D’Alessandro said.
“He was finishing quite well. He had a great game.
“He was pretty happy as he was a bit wasteful in last week’s game, despite eventually getting on the score sheet, so for him to get a hat-trick’s really good for his confidence.”
Playing with nine men Rowville was still competitive.
The home team scored the first goal only nine minutes in and took the initiative, but a penalty to Falcons gave Amaira his first of three goals and swung the momentum.
The visitor’s weight of numbers determined the final result as they wore down Rowville’s defence in the second half, scoring three goals to run out 4-2 winners.
D’Alessandro said it was lucky the first incident that led to the red card was blown.
“It was fortunate,” he said.
“One of our players was checked and bumped off the ball. That was spotted by the referee. Normally stuff like that goes on without being punished.”
The other Falcons goal came via Jamie Pistrin.
Falcons 2000 will have a short wait to see who it will take on in the third round with the draw taking place on Tuesday afternoon. That leg will pit the Morwell-based team against a State Lague 3 or 4 opponent.
“We were hoping to get this far at least,” D’Alessandro said.
“We haven’t had our best squad in, still, so hopefully some of our boys come back in if we get one of the harder teams.”
