For Heidelberg United, all was well that ended well. A convincing 3-1 away victory over New South Wales club Broadmeadow Magic propelled them into the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup.
But just hours before kick-off, one of the club’s biggest occasions in years was thrown into disarray when the FFA came calling about an incident on social media involving goalkeeper Griffin McMaster.
He was subsequently replaced in the starting line-up by Jason Koutsadontis – playing just his second game of season – on one of Australian football’s largest stages.
The episode proved no distraction for the determined Bergers’ squad, who rallied to put on a focused and clinical display, worthy of the historic victory.
“The game was really exciting and fun to be a part of,” star striker Kaine Sheppard said about the triumph.
“I thought we dominated the first half, scoring the three goals which were really vital, as in the second half Broadmeadow played some great football, did themselves proud and were a very good outfit
“Jason [Koutsadontis] played very well.”
Sheppard forms one of the NPL’s most potent forward lines with Dan Heffernan, who for two seasons now have troubled opposition defences.
With the duo both courting A-League interest in recent months, they were firing again last night, scoring a goal each under the national spotlight.
“To be totally honest, I’m not 100% sure what the connection is, we just click,” he said.
“I know where he is going to be on the pitch and vice versa. He’s an easy player to play with, a natural goal scorer, which always helps.
“He’s A-League quality.
“I use every game just to play my best for Heidelberg and myself to help the team win and score goals, but of course you want to impress teams of a higher level to push yourself to that next level.”
The victory forms part of a stellar season for the Bergers, who have performed admirably in all league and Cup competitions this year.
However, with silverware eluding Heidelberg in the Dockerty Cup, the club remains focused on improving on their current 3rd placing in the league and are focused on going all the way in the finals series.
“We are very confident, there are four games left and we have to win all four,” he said.
“We have to go out and be confident as a team and believe that we can win all of them, then it’s up to the other teams to win their remaining games.
While coach George Katsakis hinted at the club’s desire to eventually host Melbourne Victory or City at Olympic Village, Sheppard left no secret of his next preferred destination.
“Palm Beach away,” he said with a laugh.