Sydney FC survived an early scare to progress into the FFA Cup last 16 while Adelaide United thumped an ordinary Central Coast in Wednesday night's action.
The reigning cup winners proved too strong for Paul Reid's NPL NSW club Rockdale City Suns, triumphing 4-2.
The Suns had gone ahead early through Gaitatzis, but Sydney responded emphatically with the next four goals at Illinden Sports Centre.
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Adelaide's new signings Mirko Boland and Craig Goodwin were both on the scoresheet as the Reds eased past Central Coast 3-0 at Marden Sports Complex.
The Mariners, who were remarkably playing their first game in pre-season, bow out in the Round of 32 for the fourth straight season.
Elsewhere, NPL Queensland club Cairns FC were too good for NPL WA club Armadale 4-0, while Heidelberg United made the last 16 again with a 2-1 win over Charlestown City Blues.
Rockdale City 2 (Gaitatzis 6', Alameddine 76') Sydney FC 4 (De Silva 30', Warland 48', Brosque 51', 64'), Illinden Sports Centre
Ex-Juventus trialist Harris Gaitatzis lobbed home an early goal for Rockdale which left Sydney stunned, but new recruit Daniel De Silva stepped up with a fine volleyed strike on the half hour mark.
Danny De Silva... WHAT. A. HIT!!! π₯π₯π₯
β FFA Cup (@FFACup) August 1, 2018
Check out the replay from behind the goal, too.
π₯: @FOXFOOTBALL #FFACup #RCSvSYD pic.twitter.com/xNjQdvpJtw
Ben Warland put Sydney ahead before veteran skipper Alex Brosque hit a brace to ease any concerns. Toufic Alameddine grabbed a late consolation for the Suns.
Heidelberg United 2 (Davison og 1', Ellis 13') Charlestown City Blues 1 (Ott 82'), Olympic Village
The NPL Victorian club raced to an early two-goal lead to set up the victory. Daniel Ott fired in a superb strike from outside the box for a consolation for the NPL Northern NSW side.
FULL TIME! // We move on to the next round of the FFA Cup after a hard fought second half! Join us on Sunday for our next match against Hume! Letβs go Bergers!
β Heidelberg United FC (@HUFCWARRIOR) August 1, 2018
π·: @Avellino_Photo #HUvCB #FFACup #TheMagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/0rXtpFwex5
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