IT HAS been an up and down season for Rockdale City but tomorrow night they will have the chance to take a giant step towards winning some silverware.
The Suns travel to Edensor Park to face Sydney United 58 FC in their Waratah Cup semi-final on the back of some disappointing form in the league — but an outstanding run in the knockout cup.
Rockdale sit eighth on the National Premier Leagues NSW Men's 1 competition after 14 rounds and endured the sacking of coach Branko Culina in April.
Paul Reid took on a player-coach role and helped inspire Rockdale to qualify for the FFA Cup round of 32 with a 3-0 win over local rivals Sutherland, a result that also booked their place in the Waratah Cup semis.
Reid said it was an exciting time for the club.
"A big incentive was the FFA Cup round of 32 and now we've qualified for that we've got a great opportunity to progress to a final and win some silverware," he said.
"A lot of clubs don't take it seriously, but we do. Reaching the semis is a great achievement but it will be tough against (Sydney United 58 FC)."
Rockdale upset United last month but Reid said he would not be underestimating tomorrow night's opponents.
"We beat them five or six weeks back but they're definitely one of the strongest teams in the competition," he said.
"They're going to be in the same position as us, they won't be resting players any more.
"It will definitely be a tough game, they're always difficult to play at their home ground."
Reid said it was a chance to keep building momentum as Rockdale prepare for their FFA Cup round of 32 fixture in July and try to move away from the foot of the league table.
"Everyone likes playing games. If you ask a player if they'd rather train or play obviously they'd rather play games," he said.
"We're playing in a semi and hopefully we can stand up and win it which will help us push on into the second half of the season."
A Marko Jesic hat-trick helped Rockdale down Manly United 4-0 on Sunday. Sutherland were upset 3-0 by South Coast Wolves.
■In other football news, Rockdale announced the signings of former A-League players Dylan Macallister and Daniel Petkovski.
Rockdale also recruited Alek Lekoski from Bankstown.
