There were to be no fairytale results for northern NSW representatives in the 2026 Australia Cup round of 32, with Maitland FC and Weston Bears falling at the first hurdle on the national stage.
Maitland conceded twice late on against NPL Western Australia side Fremantle City on Wednesday night, while Weston battled hard before they were eventually overcome by A-League Men’s club Melbourne City on Sunday.
Maitland FC 1-2 Fremantle City
Maitland threw away a golden opportunity to advance to the last 16 as Fremantle City scored twice in 110 seconds to steal a memorable victory against the Magpies.
Adam Hughes’ side took a deserved lead in the 72nd minute at the Maitland Sportsground when Fijian international Scott Wara planted a fantastic header past Luke Radonich from a Daniel McFarlane cross.
Maitland had been the better side for most of the contest and looked to be headed for the round of 16 until the visitors equalised in the 88th minute through substitute striker Michael Domfeh, who did well to turn home a looping cross.
Most thought the game was headed for extra-time, only for another Fremantle substitute in Iljas Ahmedov to fire an incredible volley over Taylor Pate in the 90th minute to seal an incredible win.
Weston Bears 0-3 Melbourne City
Weston gave an excellent account of themselves before running out of steam against Melbourne City at Hunter City Motor Group Stadium.
The visitors took an early lead when Lawrence Wong fired low past Gerard Roebuck after Weston had given the ball away cheaply playing out from the back.
The Bears, who were playing in their second Australia Cup round of 32 match in as many seasons, warmed into the contest in front of a reported crowd of about 1500 fans and had a flurry of chances before half-time.
Weston continued to press for an equaliser, with Chris Hatfield spurning their best chance midway through the second half when the Bears forward turned a low cross over the bar from a decent position.
The Bears were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal when Melbourne City doubled their lead 10 minutes from full-time through Besian Kutleshi as his finish wrongfooted Roebuck.
Melbourne City then added a third five minutes later, a scoreline that slightly flattered the visitors, when Medin Memeti casually lobbed the ball over an advancing Roebuck having been played through on goal by Andrew Nabbout.
NNSWF Premier Competitions Manager Thom Kane paid tribute to Maitland and Weston’s efforts on the national stage.
“Congratulations to Maitland and Weston for reaching the national round of 32 and representing the northern NSW football community so well,” Kane said.
“They should be proud of the account they gave of themselves.
“We wish Maitland and Weston all the best for the rest of their seasons.”
Maitland and Weston will keep their attention on cup action when they meet in the Northern NSW Men’s State Cup Final at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Saturday evening.