Bentleigh Greens defender Ross Archibald believes his side is ready to face A-league powerhouse Melbourne Victory in tomorrow night's FFA Cup Quarter Final.
After a long season which began back in February, Bentleigh have played more games than any other NPL club in Victoria and despite recent losses to the Oakleigh Cannons in the state final series and the Edgeworth Eagles in the National Finals, Archibald believes its been a blessing in disguise having a ten day break.
"We don't go into any game to lose, but maybe it was a bit of a blessing. We would of have to travel to Perth and with a long flight, it would of been tough as we're not full-time professionals, we have working jobs too."
The NPL Victorian Premiers will be without their skipper Wayne Wallace and also pocket dynamo Chris Lucas, who are both out to injury for tomorrow night's match.
With the A-League transfer window still open but the NPL one shut,ย state clubs will feel they've got the rough end of the stick, not being able to sign top-up players for games such as these.
"It probably would help ifย we could sign a few extra players to give a bit more competition, but that's the rules and its out of control. We just need to get on with the job we have before us tomorrow." Archibald said.
On the prospect of facing an array of attacking talent at Melbourne Victory, Archibald says its these types of players you want to come up against and test yourself against the best.
"They're all quality players, they've all played at the highest level for both club and country. We see them week in week out, we know what they can do, players like Berisha and Troisi," the defender said.
"We're not going to worry too much about them though. We know that if we play our game, we'll create opportunities and I have full faith that our boys can put the ball in the back of the net as well."
Tomorrow night's game takes place at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex out in Cheltenham.
Ticketsย can still be purchasedย here.
