MOOY STUNNERS SINK EDGEWORTH FC IN THE FFA CUP

Northern NSW NPL club Edgeworth FC crashed out of the FFA Cup last night. Taking on the A-League's richest club Melbourne City, the semi pros put in a stellar shift and could only be killed off with a free kick in injury time.

Currently leading the Northern NSW NPL, Edgeworth restored some pride for the region after locals Broadmeadow were sunk by Heidelberg last week.

Under the pump for most of the first twenty minutes, Edgeworth eventually found some rhythm against their well remunerated opponents. In the 25th minute the 2400 plus crowd were in raptures after a Kisnorbo challenge gifted the home side a penalty. Hammel's conversion from the spot had locals daring to dream.

City threatened soon after but usually through fast breaks rather than shoddy defending, and Edgeworth's ability to repel City's slick attack was a theme throughout the night. 

But when Mauk was fouled with some standard man-handling, Mooy duly punished Edgeworth. It was a taste of reality on the cusp of half time. 

However, the second half wasn't greatly different, and Edgeworth had an early chance when left back Aaron McLoughlin found the ball at his feet on the junction of the eighteen yard box. Facing just the keeper and no time to think, the defender's shot flew into row zed. 

Edgeworth continued to provide stiff opposition for the remainder of the match, ensuring no one left early despite the freezing conditions pitch-side. 

Melbourne City's new recruit Harry Novillo had Edgeworth players and fans nervous all night. It was the Frenchman who won the vital free kick in injury time that would send Edgeworth crashing out. 

Gutted by the cruel 2-1 defeat in the shadows of extra time, Edgeworth manager Damien Zane said, 

". . . I'm just so proud of them. The work they put in, and to still look dangerous . . ." 

Aaron Mooy's second stunning free kick ensured that Edgeworth pack away any FFA Cup dreams for at least another twelve months. 

PRESSURE ON NORTHERN NSW IN FFA CUP

This year's performance in the FFA Cup is vital for Northern NSW. After both of last year's representatives crashed out in the first round of the competition proper, there is considerable pressure on the region's teams to progress beyond the Round of 32.

Northern NSW National Premier League leaders Edgeworth FC will be extreme underdogs when they face the A-League's richest club Melbourne City in the FFA CUP Round of 32. That match a virtual write off for NNSW, the region will look to Broadmeadow Magic who have been drawn against Victorian NPL club Heidelberg United.

Broadmeadow is currently running 5th in the Northern NSW NPL, seven points adrift of in form Edgeworth FC. The Magic wont be lacking motivation after crashing out of the Round of 32 in extra time last year. The suburban Newcastle outfit hosted Brisbane Strikers and took a 1-nil lead in the 58th minute but the Queenslanders struck back two minutes later, and crushed the hosts with a goal in the 103rd minute.

Broadmeadow's opponents Heidelberg are sitting second in the highly regarded Victorian NPL, and will be favourites despite travelling to Newcastle's Magic Park on July 29th. The 'Bergers' as they're nicknamed have a couple of former fringe Melbourne Victory players in Steven Pace and Daniel Vasilevski. Heidelberg have also recruited former Southampton reserves player Luke Byles into defence, while 21 year old Kaine Sheppard, another English lower league player is top scorer at the club. Adding some more A-League flavour is Griffin McMaster between the sticks.

Though both Heidelberg and Melbourne City are expected to win, there is pressure on Edgeworth and Broadmeadow as continued failings will lead to questioning of the merits of Northern NSW being granted two automatic entrants into the Round of 32.

Already this year the NSW NPL's quota of seven entrants has been cut to five. This move has allowed the Northern Territory to gain one entrant, that being Darwin Olympic. Meanwhile, Australian NPL Champions Metro Stars SC have also gained automatic entry at the expense of the NSW NPL.

The fact that a South Australian club has the Australian NPL title, yet is only designated one automatic entrant won't be lost on many crow-eaters, and the folk at FFA should brace for maximum tweetage, if a repeat performance is acted out.

MELBOURNE'S NEW TRADITION A WINNER

Melbourne Heart officially re-badged as Melbourne City

Melbourne Heart have officially re-badged themselves as Melbourne City FC, with a brand new emblem and a brand new home kit to boot. The name had been public knowledge for some time as the City Football Group (owners of Manchester City and New York City) had bought the club in January this year but the new home kit and logo haven't been met with total support. On the upside the club did make the re-badging announcement in conjunction with news of David Villa's signing.

While some fans have greeted the new kit with lukewarm enthusiasm due to the ownership's discarding of Melbourne Heart/City's red and white history, the red and white stripes are still in circulation as the club's away kit. The new emblem, possibly the ownership's cleverest coup sports a close replication of the city of Melbourne's flag, encircled by a sky blue ring. Importantly the city of Melbourne flag includes a red and white cross of St George. The red and white aspect of the new emblem no doubt pleasing some fans.

The Melbourne City emblem. Looks like soccer.

While it is only for a ten week guest player stint the signing of David Villa is massive. The news is not only good for Melbourne City fans but the A-League in general. With the soccer world heading into a World Cup it's a beautiful thing to have one of Spain's mainstays announcing his plans to grace the A-League. Villa is expected to play his part for Melbourne City between October and December before heading off to New York City for the MLS.

David Villa signs with Melbourne City FC

If there is a loser in all of this, it's Melbourne Victory. The club whose fans set the platform in the early years of the A-League is now set to be usurped by their city rivals. Regularly referring to the themselves as the biggest club in the competition, it's likely they'll no longer be the biggest club in their own state. Melbourne City whom when known as Melbourne Heart I labelled as lacking identity, have now got an identity. City is  the child of wealthy and respected parents with a core group of passionate fans that is set to grow with more marquee signings, and that ever so important ingredient - success. Good luck City!