FFA Cup fairytale excited new heroes

It's the cliché that's proving true round after round for semi-professional outfits Hume City and Oakleigh Cannons as the two PS4 NPL Victoria teams aim to reach the giddy heights of the Westfield FFA Cup semi-finals.

Hume's ecstatic players and coach didn't think it could get any better when they defeated former National Soccer League champions Brisbane Strikers 4-3 after extra-time in the round of 32.

They followed up that result by eliminating another ex-NSL winner in Sydney Olympic last time out and now have a berth in the last four squarely in their sights.

"It's turned into the biggest game in the club's history," Hume's English captain Nick Hegarty told reporters on Monday.

"Every game seems to be a bit bigger and a bit better.

"A team like Hume, we're still picking away at the area. There's not many people from Hume that know Hume City have got a football team. 

"For us, getting a win tomorrow night's important to get the coverage. So the people of Hume know they've got a team they can go and support and be proud of."

Cup preview: Hume City v Oakleigh Cannons

For the former Grimsby Town and St Mirren player, employed by the club in an administrative as well as playing capacity, a fairytale run to quarter-finals also has a less glamorous side.

"I spend time washing kit, doing juniors [coaching], speaking to councils, FFV (Football Federation Australia), making sure the grass is cut," he said.

"The club have looked after me. Hopefully I've put in the performances that have paid them back. Since then I've learned a lot about Victorian NPL football."

Asked if he's fulfilled his most important duties as occasional kit-man, Hegarty insisted Hume's red shirts, increasingly recognisable following the team's exploits in recent months, have received the A-list treatment they deserve.

"They're all clean, they're all hung up and ready to go," he said.

"There's a lot of things that I do and a lot of things that become immaterial come the kick-off."

Marcus Schroen of Hume City FC celebrates after scoring against Brisbane Strikers.

Standing in Hume's way at ABD Stadium on Tuesday night will be an Oakleigh Cannons side packed with Hyundai A-League experience. 

The likes of Kofi Danning and captain Matthew Foschini in particular, both still just 24 years old, hope an eye-catching performance can serve as a springboard to relaunch their professional careers.

"A few ex-A-League [players] in our team, each of us are at different stages of our career," Foschini said.

"Steve Pantelidis [is] maybe towards the end of his career but there's a few of us have got aspirations of getting back into the A-League. 

"What better chance to do it then on a national stage, win this game and go to a semi-final and play in front of a decent crowd, live on Fox Sports. What more can you ask for?"