Striker Marc Marino says there’s buzz at Campbelltown City ahead of next week’s Australia Cup tie against Moreton City Excelsior.
Marc Marino - Picture: Ken Carter
The Red Devils fly up from Adelaide for Tuesday’s clash at Wolter Park (kick-off 7pm) looking to add to their rich history in the Round of 32. Last year, the NPL South Australia side beat A-League Macarthur 2-1 in a huge upset at the Steve Woodcock Stadium.
Five years ago, A-League giants Melbourne City were the visitors in the FFA Cup (forerunner of the Australia Cup) and won 3-1 after a close-fought affair.
“I’ve been here since I was four, apart from when playing A-League,” Marino, 28, said, “people are buzzing about the game in the cup.
“Everyone gets excited. We’re looking forward to coming up there.”
Marino, who played for Melbourne City, Adelaide United and Australia Under 20, said the current squad has a “good mix” of players.
“The bulk of the team has been together for five or six years,” he said, “we play an attractive style of football and like to attack.
“We also have variety - good ball players and players that get stuck in. We’ve been playing well lately, but not got the results.”
Daniel Mullen - Picture: Ken Carter
The Red Devils are, at the time of writing, third on the NPL SA ladder, unbeaten in their last seven games, though five have been draws. Marino struck twice in their recent 4-2 win over White City to take his NPL tally to 13 this season.
Campbelltown also have experienced defender Daniel Mullen who played A-League for Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers, Newcastle and Wellington - and his cousin Alex Mullen who was with A-League Sydney.
Campbelltown City was formed in 1963, the same year as Albany Creek Excelsior, while MCE, having merged late last year, is the youngest club in this year’s Australia Cup.
Pathway to Round of 32
Moreton City Excelsior
Moreton City Excelsior 3 Mitchelton (FQPL1) 0
Moreton City Excelsior 12 Springfield Utd (FQPL3) 1
Moreton City Excelsior 3 North Star (FQPL2) 1
Moreton City Excelsior 2 Gold Coast Utd (NPL Qld) 0
Campbelltown City
Western Strikers (State League 1) 0 - Campbelltown City 2
Campbelltown City 3 - Adelaide Blue Eagles (State League 1) 1
Campbelltown City 2 - Cumberland United (State League 1) 1
Campbelltown City 2 - Adelaide Comets (NPL SA) 0
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Written by: Nick Crockford
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