NPL NSW Men’s 18’s Grand Final Preview: Blacktown City v Mt Druitt Town Rangers
The National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 18’s Grand Final will see Blacktown City FC and the Mt Druitt Town Rangers fiercely lock horns in a local Western Sydney derby at Bankwest Stadium.
Blacktown City enjoyed superior form over the length of the season, having concluded the campaign 12 points clear of Saturday’s opponents.
However if their history against the Rangers is anything to go by, there will be goals aplenty and little to split the sides.
Just over a week ago, the same two met in a thrilling 3-3 draw which saw a ten-man Blacktown ultimately triumph 5-4 on penalties and book themselves a ticket to the decider.
Before then, Mt Druitt inflicted Blacktown City’s only defeat in the last 12 months with a 4-3 victory in Round 1 before playing out a 2-2 stalemate in their return league meeting back in May.
On Monday night, a solitary Rhys Osmond penalty saw the Rangers overcome Sydney United 58 for the second time in a fortnight, earning themselves a rematch against City with the Championship now at stake.
Blacktown City’s success under coach John Carnevale has been built upon solid defensive foundations, having conceded only 16 goals over 22 rounds– half the amount of anyone else in the competition.
“We have had a very successful season as a result of great discipline, structure and application,” Carnevale said.
“The boys have been introduced to a culture where they are very understanding of what a winning mentality looks like.
“Our 18’s and 20’s have done extremely well this year and it’s all been off the back of strong defensive principles and clear, well-considered transition play.
“The boys are very fit and mentally strong, which I think are key attributes to success.”
They may be on a 22-game undefeated streak dating back to March, but Carnevale is determined not to underestimate Saturday’s opponents as he prepares his side to rise to the occasion yet again.
“Mt Druitt are a very well credentialled team,” he added.
“In all three games this season there’s been very little in it and I wouldn’t expect anything different.
“They are a strong, powerful, physical team that ask a lot of questions defensively.
“It’s important that our defensive structure is strong, and we don’t get caught in transition because that’s one of their key strengths.
“It’s going to come down to the team that settles down the quickest and applies their game plan as effectively as possible.”
For Mt Druitt, a club who experienced promotion to the top flight prior to the 2019 campaign, their coach Joe Dermillio is elated with his team’s progress.
“This season has been an outstanding achievement off the back of a number of years of hard work that the club has put in.
“It’s a deserved result for those people that got us here and an outstanding outcome for a bunch of lads who have put in 100% since last October.
“I think the best two teams have found their way to the Grand Final most deservedly.”
Dermillio is convinced that his boys will leave everything they have out on the Bankwest Stadium pitch.
“Every time we have played Blacktown City it has been one hell of a challenge,” he reflected.
“They are a great team with a great coach and that’s what you want to be up against because if you succeed, you know you’ve succeeded against the best.
“So we’re really looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s been a tough last few weeks, but I have every faith that our boys’ character will most definitely shine through.
“They’ll be up for it, don’t worry about that.”
Match Details
Saturday 31st August 2019
Blacktown City v Mt Druitt Town Rangers
Bankwest Stadium – Kick-Off 12pm
Get your tickets by clicking here
By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)
Football NSW would like to thank the following organisations for their ongoing support of Football in NSW; TAFE NSW, Wholesale Trophies and the Official Ball Sponsor for the 2019 NPL NSW Competitions, MITRE.
