The Devonport Strikers are dreaming of a repeat of 2016 as they return to the National stage, travelling to take on Northcote City FC in the Round of 32 of the FFA Cup on Tuesday night.
Last time around, back in 2016, it was a brand new experience for the Strikers. They entered with wide eyes and no real sense of just how significantly the Cup would go on to capture the local community’s imagination. This time they return knowing exactly how big of a deal it is, acutely aware ‘The Magic of the Cup’ is not just a tagline.
They might not have a home game this time around, but those two magical nights at Valley Road in 2016, showed exactly what this competition is all about. Over 5500 fans braved the monsoonal like weather that afflicted both games, but ultimately only added to atmosphere of the occasions. Not that they lack for it, but the allure of delivering another home game to their adoring Valley Road faithful in the next round of the Cup, should be added motivation for them.
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