Smash and Grab win for St George City
It took a moment of magic from St George City’s Nathan Roberts from a quality free-kick which was all that separated them and Mt Druitt Town Rangers as the Saints ran out 1-0 victors at Popondetta Park on Saturday.
Elevated to the starting side, Paolo Mitry had the first chance for St George City. He bent an effort wide of the post.
The Rangers responded with an effort of their own. Caleb Jackson-Brown found space and punched a low strike right at St George City keeper Jack Kenny.
Next, Brodie Clarkson threaded through Mitry who forced Rangers keeper Dylan Niski into his first save of the game.
Marc McNulty weaved through the defence then tried to position the ball for the visitors but it was swept away.
St George City made it 1-0 in the 33rd minute in stunning fashion. Another new inclusion, Nathan Roberts curled a free-kick into the top corner.
The Rangers tried to work their way back into the contest. John Azar dipped a free-kick just over then he fed Garang Awac who poked straight.
It felt like déjà vu to start the second half as Roberts had another close range set piece but this one went over the bar.
Azar was one of the architects for the Rangers again. He drove in a low cross which Joey Gibbs flicked across goal.
Substitute Thomas Lopez almost made an instant impact for Rangers. He was found inside the box and his strike was clawed off the line by St George City defender Nathan Grimaldi.
Rangers swept forward again this time, William Rankin tried to catch out Kenny who pushed it out for a corner.
Joao Pedro Oliveira Santo had another chance for some magic. He stood over a free-kick right near the box, punched it low and wide left.
Rangers emptied their bench as the hosts chased a late equalizer and a point added to their tally.
The hosts threw everything they could at St George City but the visitors held on and broke their three-game losing streak.
Post match, Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC coach Andrew Montgomery reflected on a close encounter.
“They only had two shots on goal which they scored from the free-kick but I was confident we could create opportunities but it didn’t fall for us.
“We are on a long term project and that will take time.
“There are a lot of positives to take from it, as a young squad trying to be proactive and play football, now we need to win games.” said Montgomery.
While for St George City coach Manny Spanoudakis, the win was much needed in moving the club away from the foot of the league ladder.
“It was good to break the streak, against a good opponent on their home turf.
“The energy and belief has been there but today was about grit and resilience.
“Nathan Roberts was great with the free-kick and in general play.
“Our two changes did well and had maximum output alongside Noah Ovens.
“It has been something we have focused on, it isn’t always pretty football but effective football for us.” said Spanoudakis.
Match Stats
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 0
St George City 1 (Roberts ’33)
Saturday 22 March 2025
Popondetta Park
Referee: Kelly Jones
Assistant Referees: Cameron Wright & James Makris
Fourth Official: Amber Morris
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC: 1. Dylan Niski, 2. Alexander Trajanoski (27. Shayden Sampow ’86), 4. Zac Sfiligoi, 5. Theph Theph, 6. Jared Macerola (99. Rocco Fragale ’86), 7. Garang Awac (20. Thomas Lopez 62), 9. Joseph Gibbs, 10. Joao Pedro Oliveira Santos, 11. John Azar (14. Olayinka Sunmola ’62), 15. Caleb Jackson-Brown, 21. William Rankin (22. Jude Rankin ’86)
Unused subs: 16. Stefan Giglio
Yellow cards: Santos ’43 Macerola ‘48
Red cards: nil
St George City: 1. Jack Kenny, 3. Caio De Godoy, 4. Solomon-John Monohan-Vaiika (18. Goncalo Agrelos ’78), 7. Nathan Roberts (8. Dominic Cox ’63), 9. Marc McNulty, 10. Paolo Mitry (19. Jesse Photi ’58), 11. Fumoto Kamada, 15. Nathan Grimaldi, 17. Noah Ovens, 23. Dakota Askew, 25. Brodie Clarkson
Unused subs: 2. Matthew Wahby,13. Cameron Kemp, 24. Zakariya Hammoud
Yellow cards: Askew ’42 Cox ‘85
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings:
3: Nathan Grimaldi (STC)
2: Caleb Jackson-Brown (MDTR)
1: Jack Kenny (STC)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
