Josep Gombau Adelaide United

Throwback Thursday: Josep Gombau's FFA Cup triumph

In the wake of Josep Gombau's abrupt departure from Western Sydney Wanderers, we take a trip back in time to a happier moment for the Spaniard.

After a rocky start to life in the A-League with Adelaide United, Gombau found his feet in the 2014 FFA Cup campaign.

Brushing past Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar without conceding a goal, the Reds then found a way past Sydney FC in extra time before beating Central Coast Mariners 3-2 to secure their spot in the final.

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Their opponents in the decider would be Perth Glory, who had a much easier run in that included clashes against Bentleigh Greens and St Albans.

Even without an injured Osama Malik and Craig Goodwin, who was ruled out due to being cup-tied to Newcastle Jets, Adelaide dominated from the outset with Awer Mabil spurning a chance inside five minutes.

After a one-way first half, Gombau's men would get their reward in the second after Marcelo Carrusca found Sergio Cirio, who rounded Danny Vukovic to slot home from a tight angle.

Vukovic stopped Perth from falling further behind but his side couldn't muster a shot on target as the Reds secured a deserved 1-0 win.

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The first piece of silverware in years for Adelaide would give them a glimpse into their bright future with Gombau going onto lead the team to the A-League double in 2016.

Funny what coaches can achieve when given the time! 

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