Sydney United 58 has become the first club to reach the last four of the Australia Cup by defeating fellow National Premier Leagues outfit Peninsula Power 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Having already eliminated defending A-League Men champions Western United in the Round of 16, the NPL NSW side became the first from outside the A-Leagues to reach the semi-finals of the Cup since the draw was made fully open in 2021.

It’s also the first time the former NSL powerhouse has advanced to this stage of the competition under any format, have previously been unable to progress past the Round of 16 in five attempts.

It will discover its future opponents on Wednesday evening, when the cup’s three other quarter-finals kick off simultaneously across Australia.

WHAT. A. HIT 🚀🚀

Yianni Fragogiannis hands @SydUtd58FC an early lead with a thunderous strike!

🎥 @10FootballAU#AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #PENvSUD pic.twitter.com/1u2eAglsHv

— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 28, 2022

Accompanied by more than 1000 fans for the trip to AJ Kelly Park at Redcliffe, United took the lead in just the ninth minute of play when Yianni Fragogiannis laced a shot into the net from the edge of the area.

It was a well-taken strike from the defender, and came just moments after he had been fortunate not to concede a penalty after a shot by Power forward Brenton Fox deflected off his arm.

The early buffer allowed interim coach Miro Vlastelica’s side establish a foothold in the first half, growing comfortable in their defensive shape despite the NPL Queensland side’s dominance of possession.

This was reinforced by Danijel Nizic, who added to his resume as the Cup’s leading goalkeeper this campaign with a series of smart saves whenever Power found an avenue to goal.

Danijel Nizic with a big save to keep @SydUtd58FC's lead intact 🧤

🎥 @10FootballAU#AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #PENvSUD pic.twitter.com/qziAAhPSke

— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 28, 2022

His heroics became increasingly important amid a Power purple patch at the start of the second half, with Malakai Love-Semira increasingly looming for the hosts and Nizic forced into a series of saves.

Playing with injured attacker Patrick Antelmi, United did not create the same volume of chances as its foes but continued to maintain its defensive discipline.

Finishing with frenzied desperation, Power hurdled themselves forward in the dying stages in an effort to force extra time but United, and Nizic, held firm.

.@SydUtd58FC are the first club through to the final four in 2022! 👏#AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #PENvSUD pic.twitter.com/NA3r0elwK1

— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 28, 2022

-AAP