ROCKDALE City will host Western Australian club side Perth SC in the FFA Cup round-of-32.
The Suns were selected against the Football West team, who play in Western Australia’s equivalent of the National Premier League competition, in Wednesday afternoon’s draw.
While not drawn against glamorous A-League opposition, Rockdale player-coach Paul Reid said he was excited by the fixture.
‘‘Obviously a lot of teams would like to draw an A-League team but to be at home against another NPL team from WA, you’ve got to be pleased with that,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s only 32 teams in it now and obviously at home we’ll be looking to win to get to that last 16 in the country.’’
Reid said while he did not know a lot about Rockdale’s opponents, there was no chance he would be taking them lightly.
The former Sydney FC midfielder said the distance Perth would need to travel for the game could work in the Suns’ favour.
‘‘Obviously it’s a long trip for them,’’ he said.
‘‘I know from my playing days that it’s not easy going over there.
‘‘The time difference hurts as well as the actual travel, an 8pm kick-off is more like midnight Sydney time.’’
Rockdale City have made some exciting signings in recent weeks with their squad now full of A-League experience.
Former Central Coast Mariners striker Dylan Macallister and former Sydney FC goalkeeper Ivan Necevski joined the club last month alongside fellow former A-League players Reid, Marko Jesic and Alec Urosevski.
Reid said that pedigree could help Rockdale advance to the later stages of the competition and make a late run for the semi-finals in the league.
The 35-year-old was hopeful of a boisterous home crowd for the tie.
‘‘When we played Arncliffe Aurora earlier [in the FFA Cup], it was one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen at Ilinden,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a massive achievement. It’s great for the players. Hopefully we can get a glamorous tie against an A-League team in the next round.’’
FFA CUP ROUND-OF-32
Rockdale’s road to the final 32: Rockdale City 3-0 Sutherland (7th preliminary round); Sydney University 0-2 Rockdale City (6th preliminary round); Rockdale City 0-0 Arncliffe Aurora (Rockdale won on penalties) (5th preliminary round); Rockdale City 2-1 Rydalmare (4th preliminary round).
Rockdale City v Perth SC at Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale. Date and time to be confirmed on Friday. Matches to be played across four match days on Tuesday and Wednesday nights between July 28 and August 12.
