Bossing possession and territory, the Wanderers were rarely challenged as they ran out 5-1 winners to stroll into the final 8 of the Westfield FFA Cup.
Tony Popovic arrived at Edgeworth with a point to prove in the Cup, having underperformed in their previous two attempts of the competition. The manager decided to field a strong starting XI and bench to ward off a potential giant killing on a cool night in the suburbs of Newcastle.
Magic Park put on a good show for a midweek football fixture, but was unable to live up to its name as the visitors put on a clinic of passing football that illustrated the gulf in class between the two clubs.
There were brief moments of inspiration from the hosts despite their struggles. Much like the performance of young Eagles midfielder Lachlan Pasquale – the effort and desire was there, only for a lack of quality and technique to let them down at the crucial moments.
Popovic Blooding Youth In The Cup
An experienced spine would offer a solid backbone for Popovic through Andrew Redmayne, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Dimas and Mitch Nichols, but a number of chances were given to the next generation at Wanderland to mixed success.
Ball playing centre-half Jonathan Aspropotamitis appeared tidy in possession but looked unsettled with the occasional Edgeworth pressing. He came unstuck in the 55th minute with a sloppy missed pass that gifted a chance to Brody Taylor whose shot missed from distance.
Japanese midfielder Jumpei Kusukami was the one to really catch the eye in his starting debut. Drifting inside from the right into the number 10 role, the silky midfielder outmuscled his opponents in one-on-one challenges and found gaps between Edgeworth’s two banks of four. Plenty of untapped potential for the manager to work with on this front.
Striker Lachlan Scott struggled all evening to get himself into the contest. Crosses never found his head and balls to feet rarely opened up the Eagles through the channels. With Kerem Bulut and Brendan Santalab amongst others to compete with in that role, Scott will have his hands full to get more game time.
Width Still A Problem For Popovic
Although fullbacks Scott Neville and Brendan Hamill bagged three goals between the pair, width is still an issue for Popovic.
The latter at left back is surely a temporary solution. For all of Scott Jamieson’s limitations, his industry and left foot delivery gave the Black and Red’s a consistent outlet that was absent. Against better opposition, this will be an area of the pitch that needs more than a band aid solution.
The manager is creating a football team that values the ball and interchanges behind a central number 9. The rotating number 10s indicate that the coach wants to build on the flair and creativity synonymous with last campaign.
For the sake of balance, Popovic might need to make way for one or two playmakers if he cannot find a quality solution at left back to make sure the Wanderers stretch the field.
Game Needs More Characters Like Danny McBreen
Of course Danny McBreen had to score – his 59th minute finish on the counter attack is a sign that while his legs might have gone, a ruthless edge in front of goal has not abandoned the striker.
His presence on the night was a reminder how precious a commodity it is to have footballers who are not afraid of showing their personality on the pitch.
The umbrage he took to one RBB flag and a pot-shot at former teammate Dean Heffernan on the post match television coverage illustrates how valuable these characters are.
Possibly the man who will take the mantle of player the fans “love to hate” was Brendan Santalab. Both goals of the super sub were well taken and surely his target this season will be to shake that unwanted tag for good.
