Victoria-based Bentleigh Greens gave it their all against A-league outfit Sydney FC but ultimately came up short in one of the toughest tests Australian football has to offer. They were defeated 2-1.
The game was off to a strong start for Bentleigh Greens as they pressed Sydney FC high up the field and controlled the ball efficiently.
The home team's well-organised defence made it difficult for the visitors to create opportunities in the first half. And it took a moment of genius from Segecic to break the score in the 39th minute.
The winger timed his move perfectly, chested down a long ball over the top from Wilkinson, shrugged off the defender, and then produced a calm finish at the keeper's near post.
The Greens Australia Cup journey for 2022 ends with this result, and Nick Tolios' team once again made the club proud with an outstanding performance against the professional side.
Tolios' message to his team was that he believed in every player in his matchday squad and that they could test their experienced opponents, even though they had just completed a brief turnaround from their dramatic 2-1 Dockerty Cup final victory over Oakleigh Cannons on Saturday.
Gurd extended the advantage for the visitors in the 68th minute, eluding his defender and converting on a corner kick from Max Burgess to give Sydney some breathing room.
Riak's glancing header increased the strain on Sydney FC as the game entered seven minutes of stoppage time, but Steve Corica's team held firm to secure a spot in the quarterfinal draw for next Wednesday.
Photos Copyright: Kosta Deves
