Blacktown City Surge Into Finals Race With Four-Goal Thriller Over Sydney FC

Blacktown City FC have moved out of relegation playoff danger and into the race for finals football after securing an entertaining 4-2 victory over Sydney FC at Valentine Sports Park.

Despite Sydney FC creating the better opportunities early in the contest, Blacktown’s quality and persistence proved decisive as they produced a strong second-half performance to claim all three points and continue their late-season momentum.

Blacktown dominated possession during the opening half, but it was Sydney FC who created the first genuine chances.

Jak O’Brien tested the hosts in the fourth minute, with his effort taking a deflection and drifting away from goal.

Sydney continued to threaten, producing some excellent attacking combinations around the edge of the Blacktown penalty area, but defender Nathan Grimaldi once again stood strong, making several important interventions to keep the danger away.

The Sky Blues came close again midway through the half when Mitchell Glasson attempted a volley after some promising build-up play, but the effort lacked the power required to trouble Blacktown goalkeeper Cooper Rogers.

Blacktown grew into the contest and created their best chance late in the half when Travis Major was fouled just outside the penalty area.

Mitch Mallia stepped up for the resulting free-kick but sent his effort over the crossbar.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 42nd minute.

Japanese import Kodai Tanaka produced a stunning strike from outside the penalty area, finding the back of the net to give Blacktown City a 1-0 lead.

However, Sydney FC responded almost immediately.

Zac Fowler produced a brilliant solo run down the left flank. Despite Lachlan Tilt initially making a successful challenge, Fowler recovered quickly, regained possession and fired home from a tight angle to level the scores before half-time.

Sydney started the second half strongly and completed the turnaround in the 51st minute.

Caleb Jackson-Brown brought down Taye Hedley inside the penalty area, giving the Sky Blues a clear penalty.

Glasson stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to give Sydney FC their first lead of the afternoon.

Blacktown refused to panic and responded quickly.

Jackson-Brown was brought down inside the Sydney penalty area just nine minutes later, giving the hosts the opportunity to equalise.

Captain Travis Major showed composure from the spot, sending the teams into the final stages level at 2-2.

With their place in the relegation playoff positions now behind them, Blacktown pushed forward in search of a winner.

They found it just 90 seconds later.

Alou Kuol created an opportunity for Mallia, who showed great composure in traffic before weaving through defenders and firing home to restore Blacktown’s lead.

Sydney struggled to contain Blacktown’s attacking intensity from that point, with the hosts continuing to push forward.

The final blow came through Maksim Jez, who produced one of the goals of the season.

Spotting Sydney goalkeeper Alexander Zaverdinos off his line, Jez launched an audacious effort from beyond halfway that sailed into the empty net to seal a memorable 4-2 victory.

The win continues Blacktown City’s strong late-season run and keeps their finals ambitions alive.

Following the match, Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden praised the confidence and belief growing within his squad.

“We’re on a bit of a roll, and we know we’ve got a decent squad,” Crittenden said.

“It’s a good feeling, and we know we’re safe now.

“We’ll just keep playing for the next four weeks, and whatever happens, happens.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City FC 4 (Kodai Tanaka 42’, Travis Major 71’ (p), Mitchell Mallia 75’, Maksim Jez 90+3’)

Sydney FC 2 (Zac Fowler 45+1’, Mitchell Glasson 60’ (p))

Sunday 2 August, 2026

Valentine Sports Park

Referee: Michael Weiner

Assistant Referees: Liam Smith and Felix Atkin Bolton

Fourth Official: Isabella Mossin

Blacktown City FC: 3. Lachlan Tilt, 4. Nicholas O’Brien, 6. Adam Berry, 7. Travis Major (c), 8. Jak O’Brien (10. Maksim Jez 55’), 11. Kodai Tanaka, 14. Mitchell Mallia (22. Jacob Maniti 78’), 15. Caleb Jackson-Brown, 20. Cooper Rogers, 27. Nathan Grimaldi, 45. Alou Kuol (19. Sebastian Hayward 74’)

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Cayden Henderson, 21. Aiden Renshaw, 24. Lachlan Henderson, 33. Sebastian Mileto

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Sydney FC: 5. William Pezzutti, 9. Zac Fowler, 10. Taye Hedley, 15. Zinadein Ardiansyah (44. Josef Sikora 66’), 16. Miles Millner, 19. Mitchell Glasson (c) (11. Junior Conde 75’), 24. Dionn Nigro (4. Caelan Marshall-White 73’), 30. Alexander Zaverdinos, 33. Marin France (42. Ryan Buttigieg 66’), 34. Tyler Williams, 47. Corey Cronin

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Max Bertoia (GK), 36. Joel Moresi

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

By Katrina May