Heidelberg United is one Cup win away from a final 32 spot in the main draw of the 2023 Australia Cup. This comes on the back of a stirring 1-0 win over NPL table topping Avondale at the Olympic Village.
The ‘Bergers put aside their indifferent first half of the NPL season to avenge a heavy defeat at Avondale just over a month ago. A strike from a tight angle in the 10th minute by Kaine Shepard was the decisive moment of a gripping tie. The striker was brilliantly set up by some typically inventive Sean Ellis lead up play to leave the Avengers stunned and unable to score on the night, leading to an early exit from this year’s competition.
Heidelberg had to work overtime for its win, with the defence holding firm, led by Theodoropoulos & Dixon in the absence of the suspended Fetahagic.
Ably supported by keeper Nick Eres, the ‘Bergers defended in numbers, surviving a number of scares, including a Zander Guy effort that crashed back off the woodwork.
Despite absorbing a great deal of pressure, the ‘Bergers became just the second team to keep the high scoring Avondale side goalless this season, in the process eliminating the Avengers from the cup competition.
It’s a short turnaround for the Warriors, who travel to Dandenong Thunder on Saturday evening, as the second half of the 2023 NPL season starts up in earnest.
Result – Rnd 6, Australia Cup 2023
Heidelberg United FC 1 (Sheppard 10’) – 0 Avondale FC
