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.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WEDNESDAY'S FFA CUP IMAGES
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!!! 🔥🔥🔥
— FFA Cup (@FFACup) August 1, 2018
Check out the replay from behind the goal, too.
🎥: @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! Let’s go Bergers!
— Heidelberg United FC (@HUFCWARRIOR) August 1, 2018
📷: @Avellino_Photo #HUvCB #FFACup #TheMagicOfTheCup pic.twitter.com/0rXtpFwex5
Adelaide United 3 (Elsey 12', Boland 19', Goodwin 53') Central Coast Mariners 0, Marden Sports Complex
Jordan Elsey and Boland put the Reds in a commanding position after 20 minutes before Goodwin settled the contest after half-time with an exquisite free-kick.
Isaías’ set-piece was initially flicked on by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos but Elsey was alert at the back post to volley home. Seven minutes later, Goodwin swung in a deep cross from the right wing but Jake McGing’s header back across the face of goal fell to Boland who instinctively executed an overhead kick on 19 minutes.
The second-half saw Adelaide again quickly get on the front foot and Goodwin capped off the win with a perfectly executed free-kick involving Isaías in the 53rd minute.
.@jarrodwalsh stalks Craig Goodwin so he can have a little post match chat on the pitch. 😃 #AUFC #FFACup pic.twitter.com/JNfdVdrL3U
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) August 1, 2018
CLICK HERE TO VIEW WEDNESDAY'S FFA CUP IMAGES
Cairns FC 4 (Carroll 51', Taylor 68', Koppen 79', O'Hare 90') Armadale 0, Barlow Park
The Far North Queensland club raced away with this contest after a goalless first half. The Perth club's hopes were severely hampered by a tough 19th minute red card to defender Beau Rahim who was adjudged to be the last man upon a foul.
Jamie Carroll put Cairns ahead and set up the second, before a sweet late volley from Crios O'Hare put the icing on the cake.
Thanks to all the wonderful supporters coming so far from Perth to Cairns. Great commitment to your club and the sport 🙌🏼🙌🏼⚽️💙�
— Cairns FC (@Cairns_FC) August 1, 2018
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