Newcastle Olympic have welcomed the challenge of taking on Northern NSW NPL leaders Maitland in the FFA Cup on Tuesday night despite the loss of skipper Rhys Cooper.
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Olympic, who came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Weston on Saturday in the NPL, head to Cooks Square Park as the battle for last-eight play-offs spots in the NNSW section of the knockout kicks off. Those eight will then compete for two places in the round of 32 nationwide draw.
Maitland have made the last 32 once, in 2019 when they defeated Olympic 2-1 at Cooks Square Park. Olympic are yet to qualify for the main draw.
Coach Joel Griffiths was glad to take on the Magpies, who beat Olympic 4-2 in the NPL this season.
"I wanted two teams - Maitland or Magic, because they are the two teams who have beaten us this year," Griffiths said.
"It's a test but I would rather play the best than make up the numbers, then maybe play them later on."
Olympic will be without midfield spark Cooper, who sustained a facial fracture in a head clash with Weston's Tom Duggan in the 41st minute on Saturday.
"It's not ideal with the way we're going with personnel. Obviously Rhys Cooper is a big loss," Griffiths said.
"It's backs to the wall for us, but I think we're used to that position and we'll be doing our best.
"They are a good team and they've proven that with where they are on the table, so we're looking forward to the challenge."
Griffiths, meanwhile, will have surgery next month after confirmation of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 41-year-old former Socceroo and Johnny Warren medallist had come out of retirement to bolster Olympic's defence but he injured his knee in the 1-0 win over Edgeworth in round four.
In the other cup match on Tuesday night, NPL side Adamstown take on second-tier Belmont Swansea at Adamstown Oval, also from 7pm.
On Wednesday, Charlestown host Lambton at Lisle Carr Oval, Edgeworth travel to Magic Park to face Broadmeadow, Valentine take on Lake Macquarie at Cahill Oval and Dudley Redhead welcome Weston to Lydon Oval.