First half blitz sees Spirit defeat Blacktown City
A dominant first half display saw NWS Spirit FC pick up a credible 4-2 victory over finals bound Blacktown City at Christie Park on Saturday.
Highlighted by a first half Takeru Sugita hat-trick, the hosts proved efficient in the final third to secure all three points completing a great week for the club following its Australia Cup Round of 32 victory earlier in the week.
You didn’t want to arrive late for this one with the Spirit opening their account inside the first minute. A early corner cleared unconvincingly to the edge of the area where Sugita unleashed a shot which flew into the top left corner.
Blacktown City almost found an equaliser inside five minutes, Mitchell Mallia putting his shot wide of the left post across goal. The visitors responding well after conceding the early goal.
But it was Spirit who extended their lead just after the 10th minute mark. Sugita the scorer once again with an effort from a tight angle on the right. Sugita found by the lively Jacob Chidiac who threaded a ball to him as the ace attacker made no mistake.
The pattern of the game was now set with Blacktown City controlling possession for the most part while Spirit went forward with intent in transition.
Spirit however then added a third goal after the half hour, Sugita turning provider with a lovely ball to Michael Konestabo across the face. Konestabo with the one touch and finish inside the attacking area to put his side three-nil much to the joy of the Spirit faithful while it was heads down by the City boys.
Blacktown City responded to that goal with a Mallia opportunity at the other end as the veteran attacker drew a save from Christopher Marques in the Spirit net.
It was literally lights out soon after as Sugita completed his hat-trick from close range after Richie Darko cut the ball across the face of the area to add their fourth right on half-time.
As you would expect in a situation such as this, Blacktown City were first to create a chance 48 minutes in as the away side chased the match. Mallia firing over the bar from inside the area after Travis Major found him to his right. Spirit’s defence holding firm as the clock ticked towards the hour despite.
Blacktown City finally got their goal in the 58th minute. A poor goalkeeper clearance falling to Mason Fernandez half way inside their half. Fernandez weighting his shot perfectly to sail into the empty net. The visitors then enjoyed plenty of possession in their attacking half throughout long periods of the second half.
A late consolation for Mark Crittenden’s side then came in the 89th minute through Joey Gibbs who stuck out a foot behind him which saw the ball find the back of the net to make in 4-2. Blacktown City unable to find a third despite some late pressure on the Spirit goal.
The hosts making it three wins on the bounce at the venue which included their Australia Cup win while Blacktown City will look to hit back in a potential finals preview against Marconi Stallions next weekend.
Match Stats
NWS Spirit 4 (Sugita 1’ 12’ 45’, Konestabo 32’)
Blacktown City 2 (Fernandez 58’, Gibbs 89’)
Saturday 10 August, 2024
Christie Park, Macquarie Park
Referee: Eric Saba
Assistant Referee: Mitchell Renton & Isaac Riggs
Fourth Official: Molly Godsell
NWS Spirit: 1. Christopher Marques (GK), 3. Kyle Shaw, 4. Jarred Mckinley, 5. Frankie Ljucovic (20. Jared Lum 79’), 7. Richie Darko (18. Zachary Cianci 79’), 8. Grant Cornwell, 10. Michael Konestabo (34. Noah Peacock 86’), 13. Simon Nicholas, 15. Takeru Sugita (36. Kyah Williams 86’), 16. Ante Bakmaz, 17. Jacob Chidiac (21. Jayden Tran 68’).
Substitutes Not Used: 31. Joel Wade.
Yellow Cards:
Red Cards: Nil
Blacktown City: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 5. Grant Lynch, 7. Travis Major, 11. Danny Choi (19. Julian Rodriguez 77’), 12. Tyren Burnie, 14. Mitchell Mallia, 17. Martin Fernandez, 18. Nicholas O’Brien (16. Ben Berry 70’), 22. Jacob Maniti (6. Adam Berry 70’), 23. Joey Gibbs, 24. Jackson Bandiera.
Substitutes Not Used: 4. Lachlan Campbell, 9. Reuben Awaritefe, 20. Cayden Henderson.
Yellow Cards: O’Brien 35’, Lynch 85’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3- Takeru Sugita (NWS)
2- Jacob Chidiac (NWS)
1- Michael Konestabo (NWS)
By Justin Smith
