Albury Wodonga Football Association (AWFA) is set for one of its biggest weekends in recent history.
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Archie Thompson will make his first start for Murray United on Saturday, less than 24 hours after AWFA clubs Myrtleford and Wangaratta City meet at Myrtleford on Friday night to progress in the Football Federation Australia (FFA) Cup.
The first round of qualifying matches were played across the state last weekend, with four AWFA clubs safely through.
Twin City Wanderers walloped Glen Eira FC, 15-0, Cobram Roar safely accounted for Tatura SC, 4-0, Wangaratta City beat Shepparton South, 4-1, while Myrtleford were far too strong for Phillip Island SC, 6-0, setting up an enticing clash with their AWFA rivals.
It provides a chance for one of the teams to progress to the next round and be just one round away from when the NPL teams join in the FFA Cup in round four.
Myrtleford Savoy president Zac Mirt said it’s a fantastic result for the sport and its very bright future in the region.
“It’s a step in the right direction for football in the area and I think it’s only going to grow the game looking forward,” Mirt said.
“We worked together with Wangaratta and came up with the Friday night option so we could make it a feature weekend for football in the area.
“It’s worked out well that the FFA Cup game is on Friday and it gives everyone the opportunity to go down Saturday night and watch Murray United.
“It’s the first time the two clubs have played in an FFA Cup game together and it’s unique to be drawn against a team from the same association.
“We’re expecting a big crowd and it should be a good game and (a good game) on Saturday as well.
“It’s still pre-season, so I think a lot of sides are trying to work out their teams for the AWFA season on March 19.”
Murray United football operations manager Marcus Copsey echoed Mirt’s words and is excited for it all to get under way.
It's a step in the right direction for football in the area and I think it’s only going to grow the game looking forward.
- Myrtleford Savoy president Zac Mirt
“The buzz around the FFA cup last year, nationwide, was immense, so to have a local derby under lights on Friday night is great for AWFA,” Copsey said.
“In the luck of the draw, this is huge.
“That paired with Archie's home debut makes for a very exciting weekend of football and just shows the interest that the sport now has locally.
“I look forward to going down to Myrtleford on Friday in what should be a strongly contested match and then having our match on Saturday with a big crowd to welcome home a local legend.
“It's a massive weekend of football for the region.”
The FFA Cup derby kicks off at 8pm on Friday night, with Thompson and Murray United to take the field at 5pm on Saturday.