A fast-paced finish to the match saw the Stallions run out 4-2 winners, the Bossley Park outfit showing its full array of skill on a near perfect night for the club.
The loss for Blacktown City signals the end to the playing career of influential captain Luke Roodenburg who recently made public that this season would be his last.
Roodenburg has been an ambassador for the Football NSW competition, and he holds a legend status amongst the supporters at the Club.
Marconi?s win will see the Stallions line-up against Bonnyrigg White Eagles for a shot at the Minor Premiership on long weekend Monday.
Preliminary Final
Marconi Stallions 4 Blacktown City FC 2
Six goals were produced in the Preliminary Final, meaning those present were not disappointed for a lack of action.
Yuchi Yamauchi opened the scoring with a header in the 16? minute when he cleverly lost his marker to convert Matt Lewis? curled effort inside the far post.
Stallions? captain Nahuel Arrarte drew the sides level on 35? minutes from the penalty-spot after Zac Cairncross fouled Jamie McMaster.
Despite the momentum seemingly back in Marconi?s favour, Travis Major ensured Blacktown City went in with the lead at the break. The speedy winger, playing in a much more advanced role on the pitch, sped past Wade Oostendorp to claim the ball before beating James Chronopoulos with a tantalising finish.
Following the break, the Stallions took control as McMaster and Joey Gibbs played a phenomenal one-two to leave the Blacktown City defenders routed to the spot before the latter confidently drove the ball past Brody Crane.
The Stallions’ third goal of the evening was purely breathtaking and it arrived midway through the half via the left boot of Shane Webb, The experienced midfielder, in exceptional touch throughout the evening, blasted a long-range drive into the top right-hand corner, leaving Crane with no chance much to the delight of the home supporters.
Deep into injury-time, Blacktown City lost defender Cairncross following his second yellow card of the evening, before Gibbs netted a second as Marconi punished Blacktown City on the counterattack.
The confidence oozed by the Stallions in the second-half definitely does stand the side in good stead ahead of the grand-final showdown with the highly fancied Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
-By Joseph Carlucci
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