Stallions edge out Blacktown City to remain in pole position

Marconi Stallions have extended their lead on top of the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW ladder following a tense 2-0 win over Blacktown City at Landen Stadium.

The Marconi Stallions were mostly in control of the first half, keeping the ball firmly in their area despite a seemingly sturdy Blacktown City defence.

Blacktown City were having issues with discipline early on, with the first free kick of the game just seven minutes in.

The resulting kick was sent out by Blacktown City, and the following corner went straight over the baseline.

Blacktown City created some half decent chances with Danny Choi leading most of them.

A long ball sent to the feet of Choi was the home side’s first real chance, but the solid strike from Choi went right into the hands of Marconi Stallions keeper James Hilton.

Marconi Stallions’ persistence was rewarded midway through the half as Damien Tsekenis fought through a scrappy Blacktown City defence off a corner to slip the ball past Cayden Henderson and put the visitors 1-0 up.

Tsekenis tried to double his tally not soon after with a long strike but it was sent straight over the crossbar.

Blacktown City picked up three yellow cards in the first half, the most contentious coming from Jak O’Brien whose heavy tackle on Marconi Stallions’ Tyren Burnie saw Marco Jesic race over to have some tense words with the striker.

Blacktown City started the second half strong as Martin Fernandez’s early attack was rewarded with a free kick and a yellow card for Liam Youlley.

The first free kick from Jak O’Brien was cleared for a corner and despite another decent cross, Blacktown City weren’t able to capitalize.

Lachlan Campbell conceded a dangerous free kick just outside the Marconi Stallions’ box, but the following cross from Jesic went directly into a strong Blacktown City wall.

A great Blacktown City chance came from Jak O’Brien in the 71st minute, with keeper Hilton’s deflection sending the ball into the crossbar and agonisingly out of play.

Marconi Stallions sealed their victory with less than five minutes of regulation to go, as Jesic slid a perfect cross to Franco Maya, whose strike went screaming past Henderson for the 2-0 win.

Marconi Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis said his defence has been a major factor for their successful run so far.

“The clean sheets are coming from doing the right things,” Tsekenis said.

“Even though players are coming in and out with certain positions, (the players) know what the job is, and they keep doing it.”

Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden said despite the loss, he was pretty pleased with the performance.

“It was a really good battle between the two sides,” Crittenden said.

“They took their couple of chances, and really we didn’t create a whole lot, but we just couldn’t get one to find the net.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City FC 0

Marconi Stallions FC 2  (Damian Tsekenis 27′, Franco Maya 86’)

Sunday May 25th, 2025

Landen Stadium, Seven Hills

Referee: Joe Moss

Assistant Referees: Cameron Wright and Aaron Bloch

Fourth Official: Rowan Fisher

Blacktown City FC: 1. Cayden Henderson (GK), 3. Jarred McKinley (19. Sebastian Hayward 82’), 4. Lachlan Campbell (9. Keanu Moore 70’), 7. Travis Major (c), 8. Jak O’Brien, 10. Maksim Jez (6. Adam Berry 58’), 11. Danny Choi, 16. Benjamin Berry, 17. Martin Fernandez (15. Jesper Webber 58’), 18. Nicholas O’Brien, 24. Jackson Bandiera (28. Lukas Webber 82’)

Substitutes Not Used: 40. Cooper Rogers

Yellow Cards: Jak O’Brien 38’, Maksim Jez 43’, Martin Fernandez 57’, Lachlan Campbell 62’

Red Cards: Nil

Marconi Stallions FC: 1. James Hilton (GK), 2. Tyren Burnie, 5. Lachlan Griffiths, 6. Dom Costanzo (12. Julian Monge 74’), 8. James Bayliss, 10. Marko Jesic (c) (15. Jewad Rezai 88’), 16. Liam Youlley (7. Franco Maya 74’), 17. Damian Tsekenis, 18. George Daniel, 23. Brandon Vella (9. Kyle Cimenti 88’), 24. Matej Busek

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Patrick Williams, 22. Aleksandar Gvozdenovic

Yellow Cards: Liam Youlley 48’, Damian Tsekenis 80’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Tyren Burnie (Marconi)

2 – James Bayliss (Marconi)

1 – Lachlan Campbell (Blacktown)