Blacktown City down spirited Sky Blues

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Blacktown City FC defeated a dogged Sydney FC outfit 2-1 to embed themselves firmly in the top six of the NPL Men’s NSW Men’s ladder at the Ilinden Sports Centre on Friday night. 

Blacktown City FC continued on their merry way securing the three points with Danny Choi scoring from the spot in the 40th minute before substitute Joey Gibbs nodded home for 2-1 and the win in the 80th minute following a fantastic Sky Blues strike via Bailey Callaghan in the 69th minute.

The visitors started on the front foot with a few early chances. Mark Crittenden’s troops tested out Sydney FC keeper Daniel Solsky who made a series of saves.

Ayouk Mow surged forward for Sydney FC in the 6th minute. He poked a shot right at Blacktown City FC keeper Tristan Prendergast who deflected it out.

Next, Mow threaded through a ball for Mathias McAllister who rolled into the area and forced another low save from Prendergast.

Blacktown City FC held much of the ball in the first half. Jackson Bandiera strode into the box and curled wide in another effort to open the scoring.

Sydney FC’s next chance came from the set piece. Tiago Quintal stood over the free-kick but sent it over the bar.

Mitchell Mallia then went close for Blacktown City FC. The experienced attacker dug out a shot which bent wide of the post.

The game finally saw its first goal arrive in the 40th minute and it went the way of Blacktown City FC. Following a handball by the Sky Blues in the box, Danny Choi made no mistake as he made it 1-0 to the visitors.

Following on from the break Blacktown City pushed forward again on the hour mark. Choi cut inside his defender and curled an effort past the post as he went on the hunt for second of the match.

Sydney FC rung in the changes in getting themselves back into the contest and it brought instant rewards for Jimmy Van Weeren’s young side.

Sky Blues substitute Bailey Callaghan drove into space through midfield and unfurled a strike which flew into the net to make it 1-1 in the 69th minute.

Blacktown City FC looked to restore their lead as both teams fought for the points. Substitute Joey Gibbs flicked a header which went wide of the mark soon after Sydney FC’s equaliser.

Two substitutes then combined to make it 2-1 for Blacktown City FC in the 80th minute. Jacob Maniti planted the corner right on the head of Gibbs to nod home.

Blacktown City FC had a late chance for a third goal. Substitute Julian Rodriguez threaded one through for Martin Fernandez to slice wide.

The visitors saw out the rest of the stoppage time to record three points and keeping up their quest for finals football.

Post match, Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren reflected on a tight game for his young side.

“I think Blacktown City are a dominant team, their end product is good through corners and crosses but we did well to limit them.

“We’re proud of this group, they’ve come a long way from conceding eight the last time we faced them and almost get something from the game is super positive.” said Van Weeren.

While for Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden, the experienced manager reflected on a crucial three points at this time of the season.

“We take the three points and move on.

“It wasn’t one of our most fluent performances and they made life difficult for us.

“It’s a tough place to come to but we chased the three points and got them tonight.” said Crittenden.

Match Stats

Sydney FC 1 (Callaghan ’69)

Blacktown City FC 2 (Choi ’40 Gibbs ‘80)

Friday 12 July 2024

Ilinden Sports Centre

Referee: Eric Saba

Assistant Referees: Emma Kocbek & Matthew Harris

Fourth Official: Liam Smith

Sydney FC: 3. Tyler Williams, 4. Joseph Calusic, 6. Dylan Rose, 7. Jacob Brazete (8. Namory Conde ’52), 10. Tiago Quintal (9. Bailey Callaghan ’52), 17. Ayouk Mow (16. Pearson Kasawaya ’52), 22. Will Kennedy, 30. Daniel Solsky, 32. Samuel Lancaster (14. Jared Middleton ’82), 33. Mathias McAllister, 34. Blake Bolwell (5. Zachary De Jesus ’61)

Unused subs: 1. Max Vartuli

Yellow cards: De Jesus ‘75

Red cards: nil

Blacktown City FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 5. Grant Lynch, 7. Travis Major, 10. Mario Shabow (22. Jacon Maniti ’68), 11. Danny Choi (23. Joey Gibbs ’68), 12. Tyren Burnie, 14. Mitchell Mallia (19. Julian Rodriguez ’82), 17. Martin Fernandez, 18. Nicholas O’Brien, 24. Jackson Bandiera

Unused subs: 9. Reuben Awaritefe, 20. Cayden Henderson

Yellow cards: Berry ‘50

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings:

3: Jackson Bandiera (BCFC)

2: Mitch Mallia (BCFC)

1: Will Kennedy (SFC)

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)