The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers are set to take on Bentleigh Greens in the next stage of the Westfield FFA Cup on Tuesday 29 August.
Bentleigh Greens were formed in 1986 by a small group of former members of the Cypriot Community’s Soccer Club, Central City, who met determined to create a strong Greek Cypriot based team in Melbourne.
The “Founders” at this initial meeting made a huge fundraising effort and gathered together 150 foundation members who were able to take over Greensborough and move to Victory Park in the city of Moorabbin.
The name of the club was then changed to Bentleigh Greens and the club competed in the first division of the Provisional League in the 1987 season.
The club has since achieved five promotions in nine seasons and was promoted to the Victorian Premier League for the first time in 1996.
Bentleigh Greens have won a number of honours including the Community Shield, Dockerty Cup and have been crowned NPL Victoria Champions, Premiers and Grand Final winners.
The Greens are led by head coach John Anastasiadis, who has had previous experience playing for clubs such as PAOK, Heidelberg United and South Melbourne.
After finishing his playing career with NSL side South Melbourne and helping the club win back-to-back championships in the 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons, Anastasiadis switched his focus to coaching, earning stints at Yarraville and South Melbourne before taking the helm at Bentleigh.
As a manager, some of his career highlights have included managing South Melbourne to claim the Vodafone Cup in 2006 and leading Bentleigh Greens to their first VPL Grand Final appearance in 2013.
Bentleigh Greens have had mixed experiences in the Westfield FFA Cup.
In 2014 they were knocked out in the Semi Finals by Perth Glory at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex and failed to qualify for the Round of 32 a year later.
The 2016 edition of the Westfield FFA Cup saw them progress to the Quarter Finals but they were knocked out by Melbourne Victory.
This year, Bentleigh Greens have progressed to the Round of 16 after downing Hume City on penalties.
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16
Bentleigh Greens vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Tuesday 29 August, 7:30pm
