Round of 32 Match Day 3 wrap: Strikers stun Phoenix, Wanderers leave it late and Newcastle's incredible Victory comeback
FFA Cup 2019 drama rose to shocking new heights on Match Day 3.
The biggest shock arrived in the Queensland capital, as Brisbane Strikers stunned Hyundai A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix on penalties.
Elsewhere, Robbie Fowler's reign at Brisbane Roar got off to the perfect start with an impressive win over Sydney FC, while Newcastle Jets exacted sweet revenge on former favourite Andrew Nabbout and Melbourne Victory.
AS IT HAPPENED: Re-live all the goals and big moments from Match Day 3
Strikers complete Phoenix Cupset in instant FFA Cup classic
NPL Queensland outfit Brisbane Strikers produced the biggest shock of the FFA Cup 2019 so far after defeating Wellington Phoenix 4-2 on penalties (2-2 AET).
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Strikers drew first blood through Hiroki Omori and Andrew Pengelly put Phoenix – who fielded a starting eleven with an average age of 21.1 - in deep trouble early in the second half.
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However, Phoenix would rally via goals from Cameron Devlin and McCowatt to force extra time, where new English number nine David Ball saw his penalty tipped away brilliantly by Bon Scott.
- Ball missed again in the shootout, ballooning his effort over the bar - and Scott denied McCowatt - leaving Fraser Hills to send the Strikers through to the Round of 16 for the third time.
Fowler off to a flyer
Robbie Fowler’s reign at Brisbane Roar got off to a superb start in a 2-0 win over reigning Hyundai A-League Champions Sydney FC.
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Stefan Mauk got the ball rolling in the first half with a deflected opener.
- English recruit Jay O’Shea shocked Leichhardt Oval two minutes into the second half.
- Milos Ninkovic limped off midway through the second for Steve Corica's side as the Sky Blues were dumped out at the Round of 32 stage for the first time.
Jets teenager seals incredible Newcastle comeback
Andrew Nabbout scored a double on his return to Melbourne Victory against old club Newcastle Jets, but it was the Hunter Valley club who had the last laugh, defeating the Navy Blue 3-2 in what was Victory boss Marco Kurz’s first match in charge.
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Nabbout hammered Victory in front with a thunderous drive just before half time and clinched his second soon after the break.
- A Johnny Koutroumbis strike gave the Jets hope before Dimi Petratos sent the game into extra time with a trademark rocket.
- Patrick Langlois scored a famous 113th minute winner – the teenager’s first ever professional goal – to send Ernie Merrick’s side into the Round of 16 for just the second time.
Adelaide prevail in goal fest
Adelaide United had to manage a few minor scares but proved far too good for NPL Victoria outfit Melbourne Knights, winning 5-2 in Gertjan Verbeek’s first match at the helm.
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Al Hassan Toure and Ben Halloran were on target as Adelaide raced to a 2-0 lead, only for ex-Perth Glory junior Gian Albano to get the Knights on the board.
- Nathan Konstandopoulos rifled in a third on his 50th Adelaide appearance and Riley McGree got the last touch on Mirko Boland’s sweeping effort, before Ayden Brice gave the Knights a glimmer of hope.
- But that was extinguished just three minutes later when Halloran grabbed his second of the evening to put the holders through to the Round of 16.
Yeboah helps Wanderers dump out Perth
Western Sydney Wanderers took down reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers Perth Glory 2-1 after extra time.
- After a tense 90 minutes, young Wanderers striker Mohamed Adam broke the deadlock only for Perth defender Tomislav Mrcela to hit back.
- But with the game heading for penalties, Red and Black striker Kwame Yeboah pounced to put Markus Babbel's side into the Round of 16.
