It’s now just one week till South Hobart will return to the National stage, when they take on the Marconi Stallions in the FFA Cup at Blundstone Arena next Wednesday night. As Tasmania’s lone entrant in the Round of 32, they will fly the flag for the state and attempt to replicate the Devonport Strikers efforts from 2016 and 2018 by progressing to the Round of 16.
The NPL NSW side and former NSL powerhouse Marconi, are one of the most famous clubs in Australian Football and should pose a tough test for South, who took on a NSW based opponent in Sydney Utd 58 in their last FFA Cup venture in 2015. That ended in heart break, as they bowed out in a penalty shootout, just as they did in their other venture in the inaugural edition of the Cup back in 2014. It’s been a long wait for them to get another shot at the highly coveted competition, but under the lights of Blundstone Arena they will now get that chance next Wednesday.
South Hobart coach Ken Morton said he was looking forward to the occasion of returning to the FFA Cup.
"It's an unbelievable competition, for all the sides underneath the A-League because it gives us the opportunity to showcase our player against the best in Australia, and we've got one of the best in Marconi coming down to play us."
Morton said that his side was looking forward to playing on Blundstone Arena and was hoping for a strong crowd.
“I think it’s a great venue, especially where the pitch is at the moment. The grandstand is over the top of the pitch, so it will be good for spectators as well, so we’re excited for the game."
“It’s not a home ground advantage for us, but we would like to make it that way, so it would be nice to get off to a cracking start here and get the crowd the behind us and just see what we can do, but we are playing a quality team in Marconi, so I’m sure it will be an exciting game.”
“We think the surface will suit us, we like it slick and the curator will make sure it’s slick for us as well, so we’ll be looking forward to the challenge.”
Marconi have been in good form in what is arguably the Strongest NPL competition in the Country in NPL NSW. They currently occupy fifth place on the table, and have won their past two league matches.
Morton will head up to Sydney to scout them when they take on Sydney Olympic on Sunday and said he has watched their past few games via Live Stream.
"They play very direct, are quite physical, they try to bully teams, and while they’ve got some quick forwards, we also think we have some quick forwards who might be able to exploit some weaknesses at the back,”
"We shouldn't fear them, we should go out there and enjoy ourselves and let the occasion take us away."
In a boost to the squad ahead of the game, South have managed to re-sign Kobe Kemp back from Caroline Springs George Cross FC. He will be in the squad for the game against Launceston City on Saturday and available to take part in Wednesday's clash. The talented midfielder was one of the best players in the state over the past few seasons and will help offset an injury to Gilly DeSouza, who is set to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
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Kobe Kemp will return to South Hobart- Sosltice Photography[/caption]
Ticket Details
General admission: $12 (+bf) for Adults and $6 (+bf) for student, concession and kids aged 3-16.
Corporate packages available (10 people per Corporate Box with six boxes available).
Patrons must comply with the Terms of Admission available at www.ffa.com.au
Tickets can be purchased via this link or on the night at the venue.
Kobe Kemp will return to South Hobart- Sosltice Photography[/caption]
Ticket Details
General admission: $12 (+bf) for Adults and $6 (+bf) for student, concession and kids aged 3-16.
Corporate packages available (10 people per Corporate Box with six boxes available).
Patrons must comply with the Terms of Admission available at www.ffa.com.au
Tickets can be purchased via this link or on the night at the venue.