Whittlesea United’s FFA Cup campaign has continued with the FFV state league 2 side through to the last 16 of the Victorian stage.
One of just two state league 2 sides through to the last 32, United entered its match with Caulfield United Cobras as underdog.
It didn’t matter once on the park, with United getting a 1-0 win to move to the next stage.
United coach Peter Schwellinger said it was a great performance from a side missing some key players.
“We are one of the lowest ranked sides,” he said. “I think people underestimate us. We were the better team from the first minute and were really displinced.
“We created chances and our defence was really structured.
“Whatever happens, we’ve knocked off some better teams.
“To be quite honest, we’ve had no stress and there’s been no nerves.
“It builds confidence and you treat these games as practice matches with the team bonding and gelling together.
“It’s a great boost for the side.”
United’s FFA Cup form has carried over to the state league 2 north-west season, winning its first two matches.
United was promoted in the off season after finishing second in state league 3 north-west last season.
Schwellinger said the club had managed to keep all of last year’s side and added depth.
“We’re taking it week by week and not looking too far ahead,” he said.
“We’re making sure that everyone is healthy and we play as a squad and not as individuals.
“We think with the squad we’ve got we expect to be in the top half and anything can happen from there.
“We’ve played some state league 1 sides [in FFA Cup] and beaten them. I think we can achieve something special this year.”
Hume City and Whittlesea Ranges are also through to the last 16 of the FFA Cup.
Hume City defeated Essendon Royals 1-0 in their round of 32 clash, while the Ranges defeated Yarraville 6-1.
