By David Cantoni
Curtin University Football Club accounted for Port Kennedy Soccer Club on Saturday afternoon with
a come from behind 4-1 victory in their first ever Football Federation Australia (FFA) Cup match. The
FFA Cup is a nationwide knock out completion that encompasses amateur, semi-professional and A-
league clubs.
Goals to Jon Krawec, Nathan Smith and Khaled Salhah as well as an own goal were enough to get the
job done for the home side. Port Kennedy battled hard all day with their physical style of play but
the gulf in class between the two sides showed through with Eddie Tikoft and Rory Binnie particular
standouts for the home side.
Port Kennedy got off to a great start when a free kick deflected off Krawec leaving Curtin custodian
Mackenzie Furguson wrong footed to give the visitors a shock early lead. From here Curtin grew into
the game and it seemed only a matter of time til they would bounce back. First Smith had a good
chance, followed by the tireless Binnie and then youngster Rob Keegan volleyed just over.
The break through finally came when Peter James turned Kye Middleton’s cross into his own net,
and the home side then took the lead as Krawec fired in from the edge of the box just minutes
before the break.
After the break Curtin turned the screws and both Salhah and Krawec had efforts well saved before
Smith was able to convert at the far post from a corner to make it 3-1. It was more of the same for
the remainder of the half and with Port Kennedy fatiguing Salhah took his chance and volleyed home
from a Binnie nod down to seal the game 4-1.