A goal after a dozen minutes from midfielder Kassandra Guglielmin earned White Eagles a place in the Federation Cup Quarter Finals as they defeated Burns FC, playing their very first competitive game, 1-0 in a tight encounter at Woden Park.

Guglielmin struck from an acute angle after taking possession from a pass from Georgia Aldred out on the left-flank, the ball whistling past Burns FC goalkeeper Brianna Lazzari at the near-post, clouting the metal frame at the base of the goal, rippling the net, and bouncing away giving the impression of not entering the goal.

Amid confusion amongst the watching spectators, and both benches, the goal was correctly awarded, and Eagles could celebrate a strike that would ultimately, prove to be the difference between two well-matched outfits.

It was probably fitting that Guglielmin score the winner, the midfielder was a constant menace throughout the match, her extra class showing in the end, ably supported by the excellent Isla Pawson who helped the Eagles tick over in the centre of the park.

But it was the defenders who were the stars of the show, Burns central defensive pairing of Sophie Hickman and Brianna Schulze enjoying colossal matches and keeping former Belconnen United and Canberra United Academy product Nina Zarevac relatively quiet throughout.

Equally adept was the full-back pairing of Joanne Moore and Elise Munro, the latter holding claim for potential Player of the Match honours for Burns, who were led onto the field by a piper from the Burns Club Pipe band prior to kick-off lending an air of occasion to the cup tie.

There was lots of positives for the newly created Burns FC side to take from the fixture, the dead ball prowess of Sam Stinziani likely to be a cause for concern for defenders throughout the Community League competition.

However, it was Eagles extra quality that shone through in the end, the positioning and perception of goalkeeper Jelena Josipovic keeping Burns star striker Chelsey Winks at bay, whilst there were superb contribution across the park, not least from Eagles defender Annaliza Nardi.

White Eagles will now host National Premier League outfit West Canberra Wanderers in the Quarter Finals.

RESULT

Burns FC 0 White Eagles 1 (Guglielmin 12’)