CAPTAIN Luke Virgili scored the winner with four minutes remaining as FFA Cup specialists Broadmeadow Magic edged Weston 2-1 at Magic Park on Wednesday night to progress to the round of 32 for the fifth time.
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Mitch Rooke put Magic ahead in the 29th minute and the home side were seemingly in control.
However, a Nathan Morris-freekick against the run of play put the Bears on equal terms and set up a tense final 20 minutes.
Magic join Newcastle Olympic as Northern NSW's representatives in the main draw. They first made it to national stage in 2014, the competition's inaugural year, and have returned in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
Striving to make the round of 32 for the first time, Weston were under the pump early.
They had keeper Stuart Plant to thank for staying on level terms in the ninth minute with a brilliant double save to deny Jacob Dowse and then Jeremy Wilson.
Magic caused most problems down the flanks, through the Virgili brothers Luke (left) and James (right).
It was the latter who combined with Rooke to put the home side ahead in the 29th minute. Virgili broke down the right and delivered an inch-perfect cross for the striker to direct a header into the left corner.
It was the first goal Weston had conceded in four cup games this campaign.
Left wingback Joey O'Connor was as the Bears' most dangerous in a half in where they failed to create any clear cut chances.
Magic sat deeper after the break and looked to hit the Bears on the counter attack.
Enter Morris. Tom Duggan was fouled 20 metres out and 15 metres in from touch. Morris curled a cross-turned-shot which evaded everyone and nestled in the right corner.
All of a sudden momentum shifted and it was the Bears knocking on the door.
Just as extra-time loomed, Magic struck.
Jared Baker swung in a corner from the left which was flicked on by Jake Harris. Virgili reacted quickest and got his knee to the ball, knocking into the net.
** Referee Kate Jacewicz, has been appointed as reserve VAR for the A-League grand final and will not control the NNSW NPL match between Maitland and Newcastle Olympic at Cooks Square Park on Sunday.
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
