Blacktown City speedster Leroy Jennings was one relieved figure when he notched up his first goal for the 2020 rebooted National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season in his side’s 1-1 draw against high flyers Sydney FC last Friday.

In what was an absolute stunner, the 22-year-old was delighted with the goal, but was hoping for the three points which has evaded Mark Crittenden’s men all season as they uncharacteristically sit at the foot of the ladder with three points.

“It definitely was a good feeling to score but I was happier that we were able to get something out of that game because we deserved it – we obviously would have been over the moon grabbing the three points.

“I think Blacktown City not competing at the top of the table is a big shock for everyone including us.

“We were unlucky not to come away with two wins after our opening two matches and then after that I think we unfortunately fell into a bit of a slump and when you play quality teams week after week, it’s very hard to get your way out of it.”

The Winston Hills Bears junior accepted that the new season heralded a number of big challenges both as a club and on a personal level but was appreciative of being able to play the game he loves week in week out.

“This year has been a year full of challenges that I don’t think anyone was prepared for.

“I was super happy that we got given the chance to play our season out and I know that was supported by every player who has that passion for our game.

“I didn’t want this year to be a right off so I’ve planned to make the absolute most of it while we can before we prepare for the 2021 season.”

One shining light and milestone that was witnessed by Jennings and co was seeing club captain Matthew Lewis surpass Damien Foxe’s club appearance record firsthand of 304 matches, a massive achievement for the well admired footballer.

“It really is a testament to skips loyalty and consistency over the years.

“It was a massive achievement for Matty and he more than deserves it.

“He is a great role model to us younger players and he always leads by example.

“You’ll never hear him complain and he puts in 100% every time we play no matter what. He has been in my ear recently just to pull the trigger whenever I’m in front of goal, so I have to give him some credit for scoring last Friday (laughs).”

Jennings hopes that this Friday’s Round 8 fixture against Manly United at Cromer Park will see the club secure its first victory of the 2020 campaign lifting them off the foot of the NPL NSW Men’s ladder.

“We go into every game believing we can win so it’ll be no difference this Friday night at Cromer Park.

“Hopefully we can build on the second half performance from last week and gain some momentum so we can finish the season as strong as possible.

“We know Manly won’t be easy as they are coming off a loss, but we will be going all out to grab that victory.”

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Blacktown City’s long serving skipper Matt Lewis wrote another chapter in his illustrious career at Lily Homes Stadium as the 29-year-old surpassed Damien Foxe’s club appearance record of 304, notching up his amazing 305^th game in the club’s Round 5 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash against the Marconi Stallions on Friday evening.

It wasn’t to be on a winning note as Lewis and Co were outclassed by a hungrier Stallions outfit however the club did celebrate the skipper’s achievements in front of his family and friends.

“I’m super proud to make so many appearances for my one and only club, have had some of the best memories over the years and hopefully can still make a few more,” Lewis told Football NSW.

Having joined the 300 club in March earlier this year prior to the COVID-19 lockdown that was placed on all sports, the rebooted season gave Lewis yet another opportunity to break Foxe’s record – which he did.

A Blacktown City boy through and through, Lewis played his grassroots football at Parklea SC before joining his beloved club at the age of ten.

Apart from a brief stint in the A-League with Central Coast Mariners, Blacktown has been the only club that Lewis has represented and one he wouldn’t change for the world.

His professionalism and character are second to none and he has definitely risen to the level of being one of the most highly respected players in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.

Football NSW would like to congratulate Matt Lewis on yet another wonderful milestone broken as he sets his sights in adding more appearances in the famous Blacktown City jersey leading by example week in week out.

Well Played Matty Lew!

Blacktown City FC’s rising young star Dakota Askew is really missing his National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s football fix.

The 22-year-old had a great start to the season under the watchful eye of legendary coach Mark Crittenden but his rise to the top got cut short in March when COVID-19 hit.

Restrictions and with no official NPL NSW Men’s date set as of yet, Askew headed back to Gold Coast where he has spent enjoying downtime with his family and friends but keeping fit and in shape waiting patiently for that call-up to return back to Lily Homes Stadium.

“COVID-19 has affected me dramatically in terms of lifestyle – Since the suspension of football, I decided to return home (Gold Coast).

“I’ve been up here for the last few months now enjoying time with my family and friends.

“It sucks being away from my teammates and not being able to play but I’ve still been training during this difficult period as if the season is set to continue.

“I’ve made it a point to keep in the best shape possible doing cardio and keeping up with my touches on the ball hoping to return to the game I love.”

Askew who has played for the likes of Poole Town FC, Europa Point FC, Brisbane Strikers and Brisbane Olympic is a footballer through and through meaning this has been the youngster’s main source of income.

Without football, Askew has been helping his father out keeping him busy on that front amongst hitting up the waves at the ‘GC’.

“When I moved back home temporarily, I have been doing a little bit of part-time work with my dad as a means to keep me occupied.

“In terms of picking up any extra hobbies apart from going to the beach a lot due to the better weather up at the Gold Coast, I have used this time productively to work on weaknesses in my game and hope to utilise everything I’ve fine-tuned to the best of my ability when we come back.”

Finding his passion and love for the game as a four-year-old, Askew has kept his spirits high ever since restrictions have eased allowing teams to train once more.

“It did put a smile on my face, I think its important to appreciate your regular routine as I’ve figured during lockdown things got boring very quickly.

“Until we here of an official date for the recommencement of the NPL, I will continue with my training up here but looking forward to getting back onto that pitch.

“I’ve really missed game day, for me there’s nothing like the feeling of a bit of pressure to perform and compete with your teammates to win a match.

“We started off on fire winning three games from three and we hope to continue our winning streak when we hopefully return.”

Askew certainly gained a fair bit of attention ever since the 2020 NPL NSW Men’s season kicked off and will no doubt be one to watch out for as one of Crittenden’s gems moving forward.

Coming to the club for the 2018 season, Askew is certainly a player to watch out for with the midfielder hoping to win some silverware with the senior squad.

Blacktown City striker Leroy Jennings has used the COVID-19 break that’s halted football as an opportunity to up-skill himself in a number of interesting new hobbies he’s picked up.

“Yeah you could say that I’ve been doing a lot of boxing for fun and shooting a ton of hoops at a court down the road because I have been watching The Last Dance on Netflix every week.

“I’ve also been learning to play the piano and learning to speak Italian properly which I’ve been meaning to do for a while.”

“No doubt the pandemic has certainly been a real wake up call for me in the sense of just appreciating those simple things we take for granted like being able to play football, having a get together with your family and just hanging out with your mates.

“Spending a lot of quality time with my family which has been a blessing and the biggest positive out of all this would have to be the best thing to come out of this too. It’s obviously been tough to stay home for such a long time but having my family to make the most of it, has made it enjoyable.

“Even though I miss my football and my weekly routine, it’s been nice to slow life down a little bit and pick up on new hobbies.”

Not bad for the 22-year-old who is well cultured, born in Sydney and is half Italian and half Fijian/Tongan just to mix it up a bit.

Known to many as a ‘specimen’ by his fellow peers at Lily Homes Stadium, the former Fijian youth international has stayed true to keeping fit and sharp for the hopeful commencement of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season.

“It’s been real tough not being able to train or work but I’ve just tried to be creative with my time and training.

“I’ve been going for runs and using the equipment that I’ve got at home in my garage as much as possible.

“The hardest part is not knowing when the season and football will resume again so I’ve just made my workouts different and enjoyable so I don’t burn out and can stay motivated.”

Blacktown City were flying high prior to the abrupt break having recorded three wins from three games, the high-flyer is certainly missing the banter in the dressing sheds as well as needing to catch up to club captain Matt Lewis on the top goal scorers charts.

“I definitely miss competing and playing games with my team.

“We have such a great team chemistry at our club from the staff to the players and I just miss going out, putting my kit on and playing together for 3 points wherever we are.

“We did start off the season on a great note, I am just hoping we can continue on with it when the league recommences.

“To get to playing our game once more we need to keep positive, patient and keep abiding by the governments restrictions together as a community so we all can get back to normal life and our NPL Football as soon as possible.”