He had to wait more than a month for his first goal since joining Rockdale City but Dylan Macallister thinks it was worth the wait.
The former A-League striker scored with a clinical header just before half-time to help the Suns to a 3-1 win over Perth SC in the FFA Cup on Wednesday night, August 5. See related match report and photo gallery.
The result was enough for Rockdale to advance to the final 16 and a possible date with A-League opposition.
Macallister, who put in another strong performance, said he was pleased to get off the mark.
‘‘We’ve been winning games but as a striker you’re measured by your goals,’’ he said.
‘‘So it was nice to get an important one for sure. It was [a nice finish]. I scored the hard one I think.’’
The 33-year-old has been in impressive form leading the line for Rockdale since he began his second stint at the club in late June.
In that time, the Suns have shone, going on a run of six games unbeaten before slipping up against the South Coast Wolves on Sunday.
Macallister said Rockdale’s recent form had put them in a confident frame of mind.
‘‘We’ve been playing really good football for the last month so if we [knew if we] came out and played to our strengths tonight [we would win],’’ he said,
‘‘The boys definitely lifted and we got the result, the crowd really lifted us tonight.
‘‘It was great support, we had a few boys out with suspensions and a few boys that were cup tied so the guys that came in did really well.
‘‘You can tell by the atmosphere in [the dressing room] that everyone is over the moon.’’
Rockdale will now enter the hat for the round of 16 draw with games to be played in two match days between August 25 and September 2.
Macallister said he was hopeful of welcoming A-League opposition to Ilinden Sports Centre.
‘‘I think we’ve got a good strong young team, we’ve got a bit of experience in there, so I think we’ve got a really good mix,’’ he said.
‘‘A home game would be great for the club. The local council, the community and everyone’s really been behind us.
‘‘We’ll take on anyone, we’re just glad to get through.’’
Rockdale will turn their attention to qualifying for the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 finals on Sunday, August 9, when they travel to Parramatta.
The Suns are sixth on goal difference, level with Manly United on 27 points.
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