With Oakleigh’s dream of progressing into the FFA Cup Round of 16 about to manifest itself through a narrow victory over Far North Queensland Heat, a wicked bounce became goalkeeper John Honos’ nightmare.
“I don’t know if John’s ever conceded a goal like that in his life, because the way the ball’s bounced is something I’ve never seen,” coach Arthur Papas quipped.
The late strike to Jamie Gosling seemed a cruel twist of fate for the hosts, who were just seconds away from an invaluable extra time victory.
Despite unable to coordinate themselves in the first half, a much more composed second period saw Oakleigh come inches away from taking the lead as Jake McLean’s shot cannoned off the woodwork, before deservedly going ahead through Dean Piemonte’s stunning 93rd minute free kick.
Honos, who up to then had a solid game in goals – pulling off a save from point blank range to keep his side in the contest before the break – was elated with his side’s character to bounce back from conceding a potentially morale-crushing equaliser in the 120th minute.
“Congratulations to the boys and to North Queensland for coming down, for a good game, and hopefully the supporters enjoyed it,” Honos said.
“It was disappointing [to concede] for myself because the boys were putting great effort in, especially in the second half and going into extra time.
“[We] just had to stay strong, and penalties is luck also, and we had the luck on our side (Tamas Maffey-Stumpe was the only player to miss a penalty).”
While the Oakleigh team boasts a strong squad at NPL level – including a handful of former A-League players and footballers with experience in overseas lower leagues – the custodian admitted the sense of occasion and achievement at propelling a state side to the final 16 of a national competition would remain a career highlight for all at the club.
“Despite the age [and experience], every player has something to win from a Cup match, everybody has something to play for, so it’s exciting for the players,” he said.
“Any Cup is exciting, anywhere and at any level. It’s very good for the club.
“Oakleigh’s reached this point, [the best] 16 in Australia, it’s great publicity for the team, it’s good for the players, the young and the old.”
Following a mixed season to date, with a lowly position in the NPL and disappointing Dockerty Cup final defeat against South Melbourne, Honos was pleased with his side’s ability to remain strong in the FFA Cup and reap the rewards of the Round of 32 victory at a packed out Jack Edwards Reserve.
“The level is good, as you can see, we gave a bit of a game tonight, especially in the last minute,” he joked.
“Hopefully with a big budget I’ll stay in the team, too,” he added with a smile.