NWS Spirit made more history for the club on Wednesday night, going one better than their only previous Final Rounds venture in 2022 by comprehensively downing Glenorchy Knights.
Spirit had control over the ball in the first period, and they provided a couple of clinical moments to break the game open.
In the 27th minute, Michael Konestabo turned in a left-sided cross at the far post that Richard Darko had headed on.
Five minutes later, Jacob Chidiac slipped Darko into the left of the box, and he made no mistake with a powerful strike past Knights’ goalkeeper Chris Marques.
Spirit’s quickfire double put them in a commanding position at home as they went into the sheds.
The hosts maintained the momentum and scored their third just after the hour mark.
Moments earlier, a reaction save from Spirit keeper Christopher Marques followed by a scramble to force the ball home at one end, paved the way for Zachary Cianci who profited from a left-sided cross that found him at the back post for a cool finish.
Spirit saw out the rest of the game to earn the win and their place in the Round of 16, where they will now face A-League side Melbourne Victory.
Match report via Australia Cup
https://www.australiacup.com.au/match/nws-spirit-v-glenorchy-knights-fc-australia-cup-08-08-2024/22278623
