STIRLING Lions was made to work for its 5-2 victory after being forced into extra time by State League Division Two side Curtin University in the latest FFA Cup preliminary clash at Macedonia Park.
Stirling, which sits second in the National Premier Leagues WA competition, were held to a 2-2 after 90 minutes but three extra-time goals to Brodie Martin, Blamo Quaqua and Jason Rubidge, who completed his hat-trick in 108th minute, was enough to put the Lions into the preliminary semi-finals.
Rubidge praised the third-tier side’s resilience.
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READ NOW“(Curtin) defended really well. They took their chances in attack; I think they only had a couple of shots and they made them count,” he said.
“We were told (after regulation time) to get back to the game plan. A couple of times in the first half particularly we went away from it and there was just too much fancy stuff.
“We needed to get back to basics. At the end of the day, at least we got through, that’s the main thing, being through to the semis.”
In other FFA Cup preliminary quarter finals, Inglewood United’s second half substitute Scott Witschge scored an extra time goal to beat a nine-man Balcatta 2-1 at Grindleford Reserve.
A hat-trick by Lewis McMahon helped Floreat Athena come from behind to demolish Armadale 6-3 in a thrilling contest at E&D Litis Stadium.
Angel Andres netted a first half hat-trick as Cockburn City advanced to the final four with a 5-1 win over Gosnells City at Dalmatinac Park.
The FFA Cup preliminary semi-final draw will be held in the Football West office later today.