Blacktown City solid in defence

The old saying goes that if strikers win you games, it is defenders that win you Premierships.
That is a statement that rings true for Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden, who will watch his Premiership-winning side compete for a place in the Grand Final this weekend at their home ground; Lilys Football Centre.
City conceded just 23 goals in 22 games over the course of the season – the best defensive record in the league – and while the likes of Joey Gibbs, Travis Major and Danny Choi have deservedly been recognised for their goal scoring talents at the other end of the park, the central defensive pairing of Zachary Cairncross and Matt Lewis was every bit as important.
“We actually set a target of conceding no more than 22 goals across the 22 games,” Cairncross said.
“So losing that on the last game with a late goal (from Sutherland Sharks FC’s Peter O’Shea) was a bit disappointing … but obviously winning the Premiership helps to make up for that.”
The milestone Premiership win was a particularly special one for the two Blacktown City juniors who have returned to the club following their own A-League stints.
Cairncross spent two years at Sydney FC, before a short stint at Central Coast Mariners last year, while Lewis plied his trade as a left-back at the Mariners from 2009-11.
“I’ve been here the last four years and it’s something we’ve waited a long time to achieve,” Cairncross said.
“I obviously played elsewhere after my junior days here with Sydney FC and Marconi before that, but I played all my juniors here so it’s special to come back and do this.”
Lewis, one year younger than Cairncross, shares a similar story.
“I’ve been here since I was in under-11s outside of my time at the Mariners,” Lewis said.
“I was younger than Zach, but I usually played as a left-back anyway. I’m not usually a centre-back, but that’s where I’ve played this year.
“It’s been great to play next Zach because I’ve learned a lot from him. I couldn’t have played as well as we have this year without him, so it’s been a great year.”
The guidance and management offered by Crittenden has also proven a key asset for Blacktown City this year, and both had nothing but praise for their Premiership winning coach.
“We’ve got a young team and a good dressing room. We all jel together really well and we’re all mates off the field as well,” Lewis said.
“But Mark is the first to tell us to pull our heads in when someone’s getting a big head or is getting out of line,” Cairncross added.
“I’ve played under him for a couple of years ago now and I couldn’t play for anyone else.”
Lewis’ relationship with Crittenden extends to his working life as well.
“He’s actually my boss away from football, too, so I think I’ve had enough of him,” Lewis joked.
“But seriously, he’s been a great coach and we’re proud to have helped him achieve what we have this year.”
It is a year that still isn’t over with finals calling, and for arguably the finest defensive duo in the league there is still hopefully some more success to be had.
“We’re just glad to have the Premiership in the bag and now a week off,” Cairncross said following last week’s win.
“Obviously we’ll still be training and that will remain a priority, but it will be good to have a week off and be fresh for the finals, regardless of who we have to play.”
– By Matthew Galea, National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Editor, at Lambert Park