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. 

GUNNERS RALLY TO SHARE SPOILS WITH JETS YOUTH

Jake Adelson - scorer for Jets Youth 

South Cardiff Gunners and the Newcastle Jets Youth team played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Ulinga Oval in the Northern NSW NPL on Sunday.

The Jets got scoring underway when striker Radovan Pavicevic found himself one on one with the Gunners keeper. He slotted home with aplomb, and the home team now had their backs firmly against the wall.

More than 20 minutes into the match, South Cardiff's Jeong Sangdeok was dispossessed in front of goal and the Jets flew into attack mode. Reeling off a shot that sailed narrowly over the bar.

Next it was the Jets left back who fired off a bouncing volley that was stray of the mark. Hay (the left back) and his counterpart Jake Adelson provided plenty of highlights for the visitors. Hay with his tireless work ethic found himself crossing into the box countless times, while Adelson on the right had an assured presence and the footspeed to trouble any opponent.

But half an hour in, the Jets would rue their profligacy when South Cardiff's Sean Clarke turned a quick counter into a stunning equaliser. Clarke showed surprising agility to swivel and shoot in the blink of an eye.

The parity was short lived though, as the Jets went to the break 3-1 up after Ryan Ensor curled a shot into the right corner, while Adelson drove one home from an acute angle.

The second half began with more of Clarke's patented swivel and shoot. This time the shot was parried skyward and eventually to safety by the Jets gloveman.

Playing into the wind the Jets nearly extended their lead when Beaudon Mcdonald lobbed the stranded Gunners keeper. With the shot off target, the Gunners struck back making it 3-2 with more than 20 minutes to play.

The Jets continued to threaten, making regular raids down the wings, but Pavicevic and substitute Burke were unable to get clear shots on goal. Sure enough, the Gunners made them pay.

Korean import Jeong led South Cardiff out of their own half with a determined run, fighting off a challenge before setting Dean Kelley loose on goal. The Gunners substitute sprung the offside trap and duly finished with the equalising goal. Jeong who came to the club courtesy of Newcastle Jets' Lee, Ki Je grew into the game, and will surely have more influence as the season goes on.

The final score of 3-3 will ring alarm bells for both coaching teams though, as the Gunners have conceded five goals in their first two matches, while the Jets even worse, have leaked six.

Next week South Cardiff host undefeated Weston Bears, while the Jets Youth travel to Maitland who had a heavy 5-1 defeat to Broadmeadow Magic today.