By JARROD POTTER
PAKENHAM United will pack up the bus and head for the border in its inaugural Football Federation Victoria (FFV) State League-level match.
Joining FFV’s State League 5 South in 2016, the blue-and-gold brigade will get its first taste of state soccer in the FFA Cup – Victorian Qualifiers against the Wodonga-based Twin City Wanderers.
Drawing by far the toughest round-trip leg in the qualifying competition, the Cougars will have to travel at least four hours each way to make it from the FFV’s southern-eastern most club to its north-eastern edge on the Victorian/NSW border.
The news doesn’t get any better for Pakenham United with Twin City’s on-field credentials – a recent league/cup double winner in 2010 and also serving as the home club of Socceroos Archie Thompson and Josh Kennedy.
If neither the drive nor the tough competition can halt the Cougars, the side will head to Ashburton for its round 1 clash on 6 March.
White Star Dandenong will face Parkmore in a local-derby to kick start the cup while Sandown Lions, Casey Panthers and Dandenong Warriors are also in early action.
From there another Dandy double will see Lyndale United battle either White Star or Parkmore for a spot in the second round.
The Qualifying Round will be held on Saturday 21 February before the round 1 main draw starting the following weekend.
FFA CUP – VICTORIAN PRELIMINARIES
QUALIFYING ROUND – 21 FEBRUARY
Twin City Wanderers v Pakenham United
Casey Panthers v North Melbourne Athletic
Sandown Lions v Yarra Jets
White Star Dandenong v Parkmore SC
Forest Rangers v Dandenong Warriors
ROUND 1 – 6 MARCH
Hampton Park United Sparrows v Albert Park/Keon Park
Dandenong South v Myrtleford Savoy
Upfield SC v Harrisfield Hurricanes
Endeavour United v Middle Park FC
HNK Strathmore v Springvale City
Ashburton United v Twin City Wanderers/Pakenham United
Noble Park SC v Melton Phoenix
Keysborough SC v Darebin United
Lyndale United v White Star Dandenong/Parkmore SC
Forest Rangers/Dandenong Warriors v Plenty Valley Lions
Sandown Lions/Yarra Jets v Truganina Hornets
Endeavour Hills Fire v Sebastapol Vikings
Lilydale Eagles/Old Mentonians v Casey Panthers/North Melbourne Athletic
