Road trip vibes for Ferguson and Manly United

Manly United and Dom Ferguson are eagerly anticipating the club’s first inter-state trip in FFA Cup history which will see them lock horns with the giant-killing Brisbane Strikers.

The Northern Beaches club secured passage to the last 16 with a dramatic penalty-shootout triumph over NPL NSW rivals Mount Druitt Town Rangers last month.

Standing in their way of a Quarter Final spot are former NSL champions Brisbane Strikers, who pulled off a momentous upset with a penalty shootout victory of their own over A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix.

Unlike Manly, who are tasting Round of 16 action for the first time, the Strikers have previously reached this stage of the tournament in both 2014 and 2016.

However having narrowly missed out on the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Championship Series, Paul Dee’s men will be fired up with their season on the line when they travel to the sunshine state.

Dominic Ferguson revealed the excitement within Manly’s camp upon confirmation of their maiden FFA Cup away trip.

“We’re pretty stoked with the draw,” the midfielder said.

“It’s the first away trip for us (in the FFA Cup) and now’s a good time to get across the border and see what we can do.

“Everyone’s at the club’s really excited about it.

“We’re a pretty close squad and to have an away trip like this is pretty special.”

Ferguson and Manly are quietly fancying their chances against the Strikers and beyond.

“We’re actually pretty confident,” he revealed.

“After looking at the teams left in the FFA cup, I’m pretty confident we can do a job against most of them.

“We have got our hopes up heading up to Brisbane and do think we have a real shot at reaching the quarters.”

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)