Olympic FC secured their place in the FFA Cup Round of 16 with a 5-2 victory over Bayswater City SC at Perry Park on Wednesday.
Olympic striker Chris Lucas made history in what was a goal-filled game, becoming the first ever player to score multiple hat-tricks on the FFA Cup national stage.
Lucas opened scoring in the 24th minute; played in for an easy finish by Alex Smith after the ex-Wellington Phoenix man broke through the Bayswater backline.
Olympic doubled their lead in the 35th minute – Smith bagging himself a goal after finishing off a beautiful counter-attack by the hosts.
Bayswater’s problems were compounded just before half-time; Olympic awarded a penalty after a cut-back from Lucas sprayed off the outstretched arm of opposing captain Trent Kay.
Lucas made no mistake from the penalty spot.
3-0 up at the half, Olympic’s dominance continued, Lucas completing his record-making hat-trick in the 56th minute.
An ever-threatening Jez Lofthouse capped off the host’s scoring in the 58th minute – found on the counter-attack with a stunning through-ball from Shelford Dais.
The visitors managed to snag two consolation goals through Gordon Smith in the 60th minute, and Brent Griffiths in the 88th minute.
Speaking post-match, Olympic head coach Ben Cahn praised his side’s performance on what was a special day for the club.
“I was very pleased with the first half,” he said.
“We wanted to show the country what we are capable of and I think we did that.
“I was slightly disappointed with the last 30 minutes; we lost a lot of control of the game. But all in all it was a great performance, and a great day for the club.”
Cahn was also full of praise for history-making striker Lucas.
“It’s a great personal achievement for Chris,” Cahn said.
“It’s not easy to consistently get into the round of 32, let alone score two hat-tricks. Hopefully he can get a few more in the round of 16.”
“He’s been great on and off the pitch for us and he’s fully deserving of his record.”
Match Details
Wednesday, July 24
FFA Cup – Round of 32
Match: Olympic FC vs Bayswater City SC
Venue: Perry Park
Olympic FC – 5 (LUCAS 24’, 45’, 56’, SMITH 35’, LOFTHOUSE 58’)
Bayswater City SC – 2 (SMITH 60’, GRIFFITHS 88’)
Olympic FC Squad: 2. Jack GLOVER, 5. Steve WHYTE (C), 6. Matt MUNDY, 7. Shelford DAIS, 8. Kazuya ITO, 9. Chris LUCAS, 10. Alex SMITH, 11. Jez LOFTHOUSE, 19. Jean-Phillipe LASM, 21. Brandon CUMINAO (GK), 22. James CUMINAO, 17. Danny DRIVER (Sub 38’), 15. Youeil SHOL (Sub 61’), 12. Costa PSAROS (Sub 71’)
Unused Substitutes: 1. Dakota SPRANGE (GK), 4. Kristen WATERS
Bayswater City FC Squad: 1. Devon SPENCE (GK), 10. Jason MIRCO, 11. Ryan PEARSON, 12. Steve HESKETH, 13. Trent KAY (C), 17. Daryl NICOL, 18. Brent GRIFFITHS, 19. Gordon SMITH, 20. Giordano COLLI, 27. Ross MILLARD, 30. Adam TONG, 24. Jake SARDELIC (Sub 43’), 9. Gustavo MARULANDA (Sub 67’), 6. Todd HOWARTH (Sub 72’)
Unused Substitutes: 21. Kenny KEOGH, 25. Giovanni PAPALIA (GK)
Image Credit: Patrick Leigh Kearney
