Coniston came from 3-1 down to secure a 4-3 victory over South Coast United on Saturday afternoon to kick off their IPL campaign. It was one of many high scoring clashes, with 28 goals scored in the opening round.

With that first win in the bag, Coniston will now face Wollongong United in a Bert Bampton Cup quarter-final at Ian McLennan Park on Wednesday night.

It is a rematch of the Frat Cup final less than two weeks ago, which United won 2-0.

Coach Allport said his side would need to improve from that performance, particularly in defence, to be able to clinch a victory.

"I think it's going to be tough, they will be stinging from the result against Olympic at the weekend [United lost 3-1]. They will look to rectify that as quick as they can," Allport said.

"But we're looking forward to it. We've got a young squad and it might be an opportunity for one or two of our younger players to get a go. It's just another chance really.

"It was weird [against South Coast United], it's been a long time since I've been involved in a game like that. . We were up 1-0 after five minutes and then we were down 3-1, it was crazy. We changed things around a little bit defensively, that settled things down a bit and they then went and got a win in the second half.

"There were a few things that we identified even before half time that allowed them far too much space. We want to make sure we rectify that because that wasn't something that was an issue for us before that game. We kept our lines nice and tight throughout the pre season, we want to get back to that and make sure we don't make those mistakes again."

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Allport said Coniston were made to pay for not converting scoring opportunities in the Frat Cup final.

"Especially in the first half. We just didn't take the chances that we created," he said. "We will look to create those chances again and hopefully take them this time, and see where that takes us."

United clinched the Frat Cup trophy on July 20 thanks to goals from Billy Tsovolos and Jeremy Flanagan. The result strengthens their claims to be called "pre season kings", after winning four of the past five Cup titles.

Coach Oli Vrtkovski was pleased with the win but said he expected a touch challenge from Coniston.

"I think they will sit and wait, and they'll set up. If they're as structured as they were last game, it's difficult to break down," he said.

"We've got to be mindful of their counter attack with number seven [Tomohito Fujeida] up front. He's very nimble, agile, quick with his feet and a sharp shooter. We've got to make sure we're not exposed [in defence]."

Five teams now remain in the Bert Bampton and Wednesday night's winner will join Cringila, Bulli and Bellambi in the semi finals.

Cringila defeated Woonona 4-1, Bulli thrashed Helensburgh 6-0 and Bellambi sealed a 3-1 win over Albion Park White Eagles.