Tuggeranong United coach Steve Forshaw says the FFA Cup couldn't come at a better time as his club aims to kick-start its National Premier League campaign.
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United will be aiming to bounce back from a winless start to the season when it takes on fellow NPL club Woden-Weston FC in a fourth round qualifying tie at Woden Park on Tuesday night.
United has fond memories of the FFA Cup, upsetting South Hobart in the round of 32 last year before hosting A-League premiers Melbourne Victory in front of more than 5000 fans at Viking Park.
The start of the nation-wide knockout tournament is a chance for United to get back into form after losing its opening four NPL games.
"Given the sort of poor start in the season we've had, it might just be the circuit-breaker we need for the rest of the year," Forshaw said.
"The FFA Cup is a great competition and we're looking forward to tomorrow night immensely.
"We've been concentrating on the local NPL season more than anything else, but now that it's upon us, we'll do everything we can to get through to the next round."
For that to happen, United will have to turn the tables on Woden-Weston FC after a 4-0 defeat earlier this season.
United is in a rebuilding phase having lost Matt Menser, Tim Stewart and Chris Ruiz to the Monaro Panthers, and Muad Zwed to Canberra FC.
"The long-term plan is to turn these younger players into first-grade players," Forshaw said.
"It's not going to happen overnight, so we've got to be patient with them."
The match kicks off at 7.20pm.
The clash between ANU FC and Queanbeyan City is at Hawker at 8pm.
Gungahlin United, Monaro Panthers, Canberra Olympic and Belconnen United are already through to the quarter-finals of qualifying.
