FFA Cup giant-killers Bentleigh Greens, who reached the semi-final of the inaugural competition two years ago, are one win away from reaching the same stage this season after snaring a gritty extra time win in Tasmania against Devonport Strikers, Matthew Thurtell's goal being enough to take them through.
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But the reigning NPL Victoria champions could not face a tougher task in their quarter-final than their opponents Melbourne Victory, who they will host in a last-eight tie in late September.
Bentleigh and Victory are two of four Victorian clubs to make the quarter-finals of the competition, which is growing in popularity nationwide.
The other teams are Green Gully, who saw off the challenge of local rivals Melbourne Knights 3-1 at Knights Stadium on Tuesday night, and Melbourne City, who defeated Brisbane Strikers 3-1 in Tim Cahill's first appearance for the club in their round of 16 game.
Gully's reward for their victory at Somers Street is a trip to Canberra, where they will face another non-A-League club in Canberra Olympic, with a semi-final berth at stake.
City will hope to draw a bumper crowd for what will be Cahill's competitive debut in his new "home" state when they host Western Sydney Wanderers in the only all A-League quarter-final.
The fourth semi-finalist will come from the clash between state league powerhouses Blacktown City and Sydney FC.
Sydney needed extra time before they progressed, winning 2-0 against Perth Glory in Western Australia on Tuesday evening.
For Bentleigh this is another wonderful opportunity to host a money-spinning match at their Kingston Heath complex.
John Anastasiadis' team have been the benchmark in the NPL Victoria and would love nothing better than bloodying Victory's nose in such a high profile match.
Two seasons ago they acquitted themselves well before losing the inaugural semi final at Kingston Heath against Perth Glory.
