After pulling off one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory, Avondale coach Anthony Barbieri has his sights set on the scalp of Sydney FC.
The FFA Cup Quarter Finalists were involved in a minor miracle on Friday night, coming from 3-1 down in the 113th minute of their NPL Victoria semi-final with Bentleigh Greens to win 4-3.
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UNBELIEVABLE SCENES: Avondale’s incredible NPL Victoria comeback
Three goals in the space of seven extra time minutes has the Avengers on cloud nine ahead of Wednesday’s clash with the FFA Cup holders.
“It was definitely the craziest game I’ve ever watched and ever been a part of in my life,” Barbieri told www.ffacup.com.au.
“It’s a testament to the players character and resolve.
“Once we scored the first to go to 3-2 you would have seen Ross Archibald pick up the ball and sprint back and put the ball in the middle of the park and say let’s go again.”
"Scenes you would not believe unless you witnessed them with your own two eyes"#NPLVIC @BentleighGreens v @AvondaleFC84 highlights ?? https://t.co/9W7dVREpFb
?? @teopellizzeri & @hahahamark pic.twitter.com/5Taol6YbQa
— NPL Victoria (@nplvictoria) September 14, 2018
This kind of fortitude could have the NPL Victoria outfit entering their Sydney FC date with the belief they can make anything happen.
Barbieri’s men certainly won’t die wondering against the Sky Blues. Despite their incredible feat on Friday, the Avondale boss says his side are remaining humble and will come out against the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers all guns blazing.
“We’re going to have a good crack on Wednesday night. To be honest, my team only knows how to play one way.
“I’ve tried to instil that in them and that’s no fear to go out and take on any opposition.
“We’ve got some talented boys there that on their day can hurt opposition teams so we’re definitely going to take the game to Sydney.”