Fortress Landen witnesses iconic victory for Blacktown City
Blacktown City have continued their fine run of form at the ‘fortress’ that is Landen Stadium, putting the Central Coast Mariners to the sword with ease winning 3-1 in Round 10 of the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition.
They have now scored twenty-two goals at home this season, good for best in the league.
Despite being under immense pressure throughout the first half it was Harry Menham who shone first with a threatening run down the sidelines for the Mariners.
However just minutes later, Blacktown clicked into gear as a through ball from Jacob Maniti to Martin Fernandez was placed a tad too far. Moments later Jak O’Brien would find himself in the exact same situation as the pass landed just out of his reach.
The hosts continued to dominate as Joey Gibbs had his valiant attempt palmed away, whilst Travis Major wasn’t far off with his header landing just over the crossbar.
As the half wore on however the Mariners worked their way back into the matchup as in the 33rd minute, club top goalscorer Luka Smyth had a rare shot towards goals only to have Tristan Prendergast beat him ever so slightly to the ball and kick it away to safety.
But come added injury time there was nothing visitors could do to block a Joey Gibbs header which left the opposition keeper stranded on his feet and Blacktown with a 1-0 half-time advantage.
The start of the second half began in complete contrast to the first, as only seconds in the Mariners fired away two commanding shots from close range, one of which forced Prendergast into action by pushing it away from his goal line.
It didn’t take long however for the hosts to display their experience as they rebutted the Mariners early attack, with a classy run of their own via Martin Fernandez, as his shot was placed just a meter too high. Fernandez’s close call proving costly as just minutes later a calmly taken and low placed shot from Donatien Niyonkuru found the back of the net to level the game.
Just a couple of action-packed minutes later, Niyonkuru undid all his hard work, as he committed an unnecessary foul of the edge of the box. Blacktown converted the ensuing free kick courtesy of Jak O’Brien to give them the lead. Lucas Scicluna attempted to hit straight back, but he levelled his attempt straight into the Goalkeeper’s waiting arms.
Mitchell Mallia put the icing on the cake with another simply sensational free kick in the 78th-minute which left the Mariners stunned.
Speaking post game, Mallia was extremely jubilant about his side’s performance.
“Whenever you come to a Blacktown game there is going to be entertainment.
“We play a certain style of Football that is effective but fun to watch as well.”
And as soon as Mallia was awarded the free kick he knew it was his to take.
“It was from the range that I like, and it gave me time to get it up and over the wall.”
Whilst Central Coast Mariners coach Lucas Vilela was cautiously optimistic following his side’s 3-1 loss.
“To be honest the boys had a good game, and we knew Blacktown were going to be a tough team.”
“The Boys fought hard and now we’ll focus on next week.”
Match Stats
Blacktown City FC 3 (Joey Gibbs 45’, Jak O’Brien 73’, Mitchell Mallia 78’)
Central Coast Mariners FC 1 (Donatien Niyonkuru 65’)
Sunday 14 April 2024
Landen Stadium
Referee: Brodie Merchant
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields and Matthew Harris
Fourth Official: James Makris
Blacktown City FC: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 3.Jayden Trenkoski, 6.Adam Berry, 7.Travis Major, 8.Jack O’Brien, (9.Reuben Awaritefe 79’), (11.Danny Choi 80’), 12.Tyren Burnie, (14.Mitchell Mallia 61’), 16.Ben Berry, 17.Martin Fernandez, 18.Nicholas O’Brien, 22.Jacob Maniti, 23.Joey Gibbs, (29.Zachary Butler 43’)
Unused subs: 19.Julian Rodriguez, 20.Cayden Henderson
Yellow cards: Jacob Maniti 68’
Red cards: Nil
Central Coast Mariners FC: 2.Michael Paragalli, 5.Harry Menham, 8.Lucas Scicluna, 10.Luka Smyth, (11.Donatien Niyonkuru 46’), 12.Taye Hedley, 13.Yani Nassis, (14.Jacob Tresoglavic 60’), 16.Prayaag Thapa, (18.Adil Toska 60’), 22.Rocco Smith, (35.Haine Eames 84’), (36.Ahmad Elhelou 60’), 39.Adam Hall, 40.Dylan Peraic-Cullen, 42.Alexander Gountounas
Unused subs: 30.Daniel Vickers
Yellow cards: 8.Lucas Scicluna 44’, Luka Smyth 54’, Donatien Niyonkuru 71’
Red cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3: Mitchell Mallia (BC)
2: Martin Fernandez (BC)
1: Tristan Prendergast (BC)
-By Tobias Canning
