It was only a couple of weeks ago that many were starting to write off Rockdale City’s season.
But two big results in five days have ensured the Suns still have plenty to play for in 2018.
Rockdale qualified for the FFA Cup round of 32 on Wednesday night, scoring a heart-stopping 3-2 win over fellow NPL 1 side Blacktown City.
The Suns came from behind twice at the Ilinden Sports Centre after Danny Choi had given Blacktown the lead on each occasion.
But an own goal, a Bai Antoniou finish from close range and a Harris Gaitatzis penalty in injury time saw Rockdale advance to the national round for the first time since 2015 sparking wild celebrations.
The Suns rounded out their perfect week with a 4-1 victory over Wollongong on Sunday that saw them climb into a share of fifth place with Manly United and local rivals Sutherland.
Aleks Canak gave Rockdale the lead after 12 minutes before the Wolves equalised through a stunning Peter Simonoski strike just before half-time.
Instead of letting it become a fatal blow, Rockdale fought back with goals to Alec Urosevski and Antoniou before Canak sealed the result with his second just before full-time.
Rockdale player-coach Paul Reid said while Sunday’s result had flattered his side it had still been an outstanding week for the club.
“We started off really well but [Wollongong] had a 20-minute period in the first half when they got on top. We were a little too defensive for my liking and we gave them too much time and make no mistake, their goal was coming,” Reid said.
“It was poor from our perspective, going into stoppage time and conceding but it was a wake up call for us and I felt we dominated the second half of the game.
“We changed things a little after the break and when the guys stick to a plan we get the reward for it. To come away 4-1 was perhaps a little flattering but we’ll take that.
“We put in a more consolidated performance but there is still a long way to go for this season but we’re on the right track.”
Rockdale will face another test of their finals credentials when they travel to Edensor Park to face Sydney United 58 on Saturday night.
United are just three points clear of Rockdale in fourth place who could end the weekend in outright fourth themselves if other results go their way. Sutherland and Manly face tricky home tests against Hakoah Sydney City East and league leaders Sydney Olympic respectively.
The draw for the FFA Cup’s national round of 32 will be made on June 26.
