Thornton failed to qualify for the next stage of the FFA Cup mid-week going down to Kahibah, although they rested a number of key players for their next test against the Gunners.

They ran out convincing 5-2 winners led by a hat-trick to Dan Toohey in their round 4 clash against Wallsend on Sunday.

It was just the Redbacks second game of the season after a bye the week before and round two washout against West Wallsend which has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, April 16.

While Toohey is coming off a hat-trick, teammate Jye McKellar has a formidable record against South Cardiff having scored three goals in two matches last season.

Thornton coach Gary Wand, said he's not underestimating the Gunners.

"They're a very strong side, they've lacked a bit of cohesion, but I hope they can struggle for one more week because they will come good," Wand said.

"The fact we scored goals in our last game was important and getting that first win under our belt and of course we want the three points again on Saturday."

It's still early days in South Cardiff's season while captain-coach Denis Fajkovic said his side need to address their problems quickly if they're to turn it around against Thornton.

"It's been a bit of a reality check for us (last week's loss), we didn't address our issues from the first defeat and relied too much on our quality up front," Fajkovic said.

"The more games you lose, the more pressure that's built on you, so we want to bounce back this weekend."

Sunday's  emphatic victory gets the ball rolling for Thornton and Wand said he was content with the performance against the 10-man Wallsend.

"It was okay, bit off a sluggish start but it kind of felt like we were starting the season again, but Wallsend are always tough to play, so it was a good win," Wand said.

"We began to find more space and opened them up, also happy with Dan Toohey getting a hat-trick, he's our striker and he will only get better with more games."