"I just had to commit" - Langdon's heroics seal Brisbane City's place in Australia Cup quarter-finals
- Adam Cattell
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Goalkeeper Josh Langdon was the hero for Brisbane City once again as they edged past Olympic Kingsway of Western Australia in a penalty shootout to book their place in the Australia Cup quarter finals.
The Brisbane City players wheel away in celebration following Josh Langdon's decisive penalty save. (Image: Brisbane City FC Facebook)
Langdon had been instrumental in City's triumph over Olympic FC in the previous round, at times almost single-handedly keeping the opposition at bay.
This time, while less busy across the 120 minutes, the shot-stopper produced two decisive saves in the shootout to seal a 4–3 victory on spot kicks, after neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time.
Over 1,500 fans were in attendance, most hoping to see the team affectionately known as the Azzurri extend their cup run. Among them was a healthy contingent of travelling Kingsway supporters who had made the long journey from Western Australia, including Craig and Tracey, who were supporting their son Luke Hewings, who was among the Kingsway substitutes.
"It's really big for the club and the area—the club is pushing forward and progressing," Craig said, chatting with Front Page Football during half-time.
The NPL WA outfit, nicknamed the Green Machine, had arrived in Brisbane on Sunday. Like City, they are a part-time side, and Craig noted that many players' employers had been hugely accommodating in allowing time off work for the trip.
Both teams created chances in a lively first half. That man, Langdon, produced a superb point-blank stop after 20 minutes to deny Kingsway striker Joseph Hobson. At the other end, Adrian Sinagra matched him, somehow keeping out Marc Galindo's close-range effort when a goal seemed inevitable.
Kingsway struck first in the 58th minute. Tyler Garner's teasing cross picked out William Richards at the back post. From a tight angle, he lashed a powerful left-footed shot past Langdon, giving the City keeper no chance.
The home side needed to hit back quickly, and they did exactly that just six minutes later. Corey Brown delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, finding Ethan Docherty, who rose highest to plant a firm header past Sinagra and bring City level.
Kingsway's response was immediate, introducing Liam Boland, the Australia Cup's all-time leading goal scorer, in search of a decisive moment.
As the match wore into extra time, fatigue began to take its toll. Players on both sides were visibly struggling, with several succumbing to cramp. Corey Brown was forced off after 110 minutes, later admitting he'd been carrying a hamstring strain from a previous match and was surprised he had lasted as long as he did.
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It was a point not lost on Brisbane City Head Coach Peter Gaffney, who, speaking with FPF post-match, acknowledged the physical toll on both sets of players.
"It's difficult being in this semi-professional space, particularly when you have midweek and weekend games consistently, it can be tough for these guys with their loading," he said.
City looked the more likely in extra time, with substitute Jack Waldock flashing a shot just wide, and Zac Rossi, also coming off the bench, testing Sinagra from range.
The home side blinked first during penalties when Niall Thom saw his effort saved by Sinagra. But Kingsway couldn't take advantage as Langdon got down well to parry Laat Mathiang Manyec's effort.
Both Scott Halliday and Boland converted their kicks successfully. Malakai Love-Semira blasted home, leaving Kingsway's Harley Orr needing to score to take it into sudden death.
Langdon had other ideas; this time, he dived to his right and sparked jubilant scenes among the home crowd.
Speaking after the match, the City goalkeeper admitted his penalty heroics came down to a mix of preparation and instinct.
"There was a little bit of research, but really I just had to commit, back myself, and go for it," he said.
Langdon also reflected on the club's proud past and bright ambitions.
"There's a lot of history in this club. There's a real determination in this group to build the glory days back again."
City, one of Queensland's most storied clubs and winners of the inaugural Philips Cup in 1977 (retaining it in 1978), will now travel to face either Avondale or APIA Leichhardt in the quarter-finals.
The Brisbane City team celebrate progression into the Australia Cup quarter-finals.
Gaffney acknowledged his side may be considered underdogs, but he embraced the challenge.
"It's another NPL side, and anything can happen. We look forward to it, and it's a free shot for the boys at trying to get to a semi-final, which is unbelievable," he said.
Langdon's heroics surely make him a leading contender to become the third Queensland-based player to win the Mike Cockerill Medal, following Fraser Hills in 2019 and Finn Beakhurst in 2021.
For Brisbane City, the dream cup run continues. As Queensland's sole remaining representative in the competition, they carry the state's hopes into the quarter-finals—and on this evidence, they won't be short on belief.
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