The Scorpions defeated Gisborne 4-2 in Saturday night’s final qualifying round to become the first BASL club to play in the Australia-wide competition.

They’ll travel to Melbourne this weekend to face State League division four club Dandenong South in the opening round of the knockout competition.

“Dandenong South compete at a decent level and they play against very competitive teams week-in, week-out,’’ Epsom coach Ryan Pollard said on Monday.

“It’s going to be tough for us, but we’ll go into the game feeling confident. It’s going to give us a good gauge of where we’re at and it gives our younger players a chance to see where they’re at compared to players who have played in the NPL before.”

The Scorpions looked in danger of elimination when they fell behind 2-0 early in the second half of the clash with Gisborne.

However, two fine goals from recruit September Htoo and singles from Alex Caldow and Harley Richardson capped a fine comeback win.

“Even at 2-0 down we felt as though we were creating more opportunities,’’ Pollard said.

“The second half was much better in playing at the intensity we need to play at over a consistent period.”