ALTONA City perfected the role of giant-killers in the Football Federation Victoria Pelada Cup women’s state knock-out competition.
City, unbeaten in the first 15 games of state league 1 and one of the favourites to be promoted, were never expected to make waves among the top tier clubs in the cup competition.
The underdogs defied the odds to remain alive at the semi-final stage, winning last Wednesday’s quarter-final 3-0 over Preston Lions at the State Football Centre.
City coach Bill Mihaloudis said the cup run has generated a good vibe around Kim Reserve. “We’re a game away from a final and no one expected us to go as far as we have.”
Mihaloudis has taken great delight in the performances of his young charges this season.
In a virtual swap, he crossed to City this season having coached Box Hill United, while last year’s City coach Paul Kilpatrick took on the vacant assistant coaching position at United.
City will meet Bundoora United in the semi this weekend at a time and venue to be determined by the FFV. The maroon and golds have plenty to play for in the league.
They sit second on the table behind Bulleen Lions and have immediate promotion back to the premier league in their sights.
Mihaloudis
is confident City can fulfil its goal of a quickfire return to the premier league after it was relegated last season.
“We’re progressing well,” he said.
– Lance Jenkinson
