Dog & Parrot FA Cup Semi-Final Preview

PREMIER League action takes a back seat this weekend on the Gold Coast as the Dog & Parrot FA Cup takes centre stage for the tense semi-final phase.

Local fans have two terrific ties to attend on Friday and Saturday with the knockout format of the competition always likely to throw up some terrific action, and perhaps some traditional cup shocks.

High-flying Gold Coast Knights face a tricky home tie with RACQ Division One powerhouse Kingscliff on Friday night and coach John Stewart will be drumming into his players that complacency is not an option against the giant-killers.

Kingscliff have already claimed two Buffalo Sports Premier League scalps in the competition and are yet to lose a game, or even drop a point, in the league. The fact that a whole division separates the two teams is likely to matter little once the referee signals the start of this intriguing game.

The pressure is off Kingscliff who will not be expected to progress to the final against their more illustrious opponents and the match has all the ingredients of a classic cup encounter.

Saturday afternoon sees back-to-form Broadbeach Utd take on out-of-form Palm Beach at Broadbeach Oval. The recent results of both of these teams are likely to matter little though as they fight for a place in the final and the chance to adorn their trophy cabinets.

Broadbeach Utd used the Dog & Parrot FA Cup to kick-start their season and will be throwing everything into the clash. Palm Beach on the other hand perhaps need a cup distraction to help them relax and get their season back on the rails after failing to record a win in their last four league outings.

Fri 30 May, 7.30pm: Gold Coast Knights v Kingscliff - Croatian Sports Centre, Carrara.     

Sat 31 May, 4.00pm: Broadbeach Utd v Palm Beach - Broadbeach Oval, Chelsea Ave, B’Beach.