Clubs aim for better Cup run

Great Southern Soccer Association clubs Albany Rovers and Albany Bayswater will be aiming for more competitive performances when they re-enter the national knockout competition FFA Cup this Saturday.

Both clubs debuted in the competition last season and were comprehensively beaten in the first round which pits regional, amateur, metro and masters teams against each other.

Rovers will host Yanchep United at Centennial Stadium on Saturday at 4pm while Albany Bayswater will travel to Perth to take on Sporting Warriors Soccer Club at Miles Park.

After travelling to Perth last season and losing 10-1 to Woodvale, Rovers captain Rohan Lortan said he expected a better showing from the side this campaign with more of their premier league players available this season for the knockout competition.

“The squad is well prepared,” he said.

“It’s going to be a lot different this time around.

“We are certainly going to put up a good fight.”

Albany Bayswater will head to Perth keen to make amends after a second-half onslaught from Melville City ended their campaign 7-0 last season at home.

The competition commences in the preliminary rounds before moving to the round of 32 when the 10 A-League clubs join the fray.

Rovers’ home fixture at the new venue Centennial Stadium will include two curtain-raisers including a junior exhibition match at 12pm and a clash between Rovers Vets and Yanchep Mixed before the main game at 4pm. Entry is free.