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Rangers stun Blacktown City to grab derby spoils

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Jack Stewart scored a shock winner for Mount Druitt Town Rangers at Lily Homes Stadium to steal a 1-0 win from under the noses of Blacktown City FC on Sunday afternoon. 

Blacktown’s Suleyman Bangura almost opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Travis Major worked the space for him to shoot across goal before it was cleared off the line by Tarek Elrich.

Adam Berry dinked a back-post ball to the waiting Travis Major but Carlos Saliadarre was equal to the headed effort.

Not only were Blacktown City FC’s defensive efforts top-notch but the attacking play from their centre-backs was first class.

Grant Lynch intercepted a ball by Fumoto Kamada before charging halfway up the pitch and slipping a ball into Bangura.

The attacker got his wires crossed and failed to get a shot away just after the half-hour mark.

For all of Blacktown City FC’s dominance, Mount Druitt Town Rangers made sure they had nothing to show for it with the half-time score locked at 0-0.

Mount Druitt Town Rangers had Saliadarre to thank for keeping them in the match as the pressure piled on.

The keeper made a terrific double save first from Mario Shabow’s cut-back shot and then on Major’s follow-up at point-blank range.

Shabow then thought he’d opened the scoring with a header across goal but Saliadarre was there to deny him again.

After over an hour of unrelenting pressure, Mount Druitt miraculously found the opening goal through Jack Stewart.

His run down the right flank saw the defender hit the deck as he cut inside before powering home a high shot into the near post to notch up his third of the season.

Their defensive resilience was still on show when Blake Thompson denied Shabow another crack at redemption for Blacktown City FC, blocking a clear cut chance moments after the goal.

A loud gasp filled the stadium twice when Charles Mendy and Major failed to bury their chances into the back of the net inside the final ten minutes.

Blacktown City FC head coach Mark Crittenden was ropable after the game.

“We made enough chances to win four games they were never in it,” he said.

“We had one defensive lapse and we conceded… we’ve just got be better at finishing, we are getting the balls into the front third.

“(We weren’t) good enough in the last third, they had one shot on goal and we had more than fifteen.”

The scoreline shows Jack Stewart scored the winner but it couldn’t have happened without Carlos Saliadarre.

“I’m happy to do my job and do my part,” Saliadarre said.

“Jack’s on fire he’s scored again, another solo goal, we can’ task any more of him, as long as the boys bang them in and we in.

“We set ourselves a challenge to win back-to-back, we obviously haven’t done that this season, we haven’t won away from home and we got a clean sheet, we are starting to find our rhythm.

“A lot of people don’t know I’ve been at this against Blacktown City for a long time when I was at (Blacktown) Spartans, so i think this is game number 24 that it’s taken me to finally get a win against them.

“It’s a hurdle I was finally able to get over.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City FC 0

Mount Druitt Town Rangers 1 (7. Jack Stewart 63’)

Sunday 11th April, 2021

Lily Homes Stadium, Blacktown

Referee: Michael Bailey

Assistant Referees: June Park, Sam Quinn

Fourth Official: Luca Lavigne

Blacktown City FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Daniel Collins (22. Carlos de Oliveira,77’), 4. Lachlan Campbell, 5. Grant Lynch, 6. Matthew Lewis (66’ 8. Jak O’Brien), 7. Travis Major, 10. Mario Shabow, 17. Dakota Askew, 18. Suleyman Bangura (21. Charles Mendy 62’), 19. Adam Berry, 24. Jackson Bandiera (11. Rhett Desilva 77’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20.Dylan Niski

Yellow Cards: 

Red Cards: Nil

Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC: 1. Carlos Saliadarre,, 3. Travis Oughtread, 6. Blake Thompson, 7. Jack Stewart (4. Mitchell Smith 88’), 8. Jason Perez, 10. Takuma Tsujimura, 14. Fumoto Kamada (45’ 9. Jordan Roberts), 17. Cooper Coskerie, 18. Jared Macerola (2. Solomon-Johnn Monohan-Vaiika 68’),  21. Tarek Elrich, 22. Jake Mamone, 32. Peter Nichols

Substitutes Not Used: 11. Andre Takami, 24. Brendan Allen, 32. Peter Nichols

Yellow Cards: 18. Jared Macerola 52’, 9. Jordan Roberts 90’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 — Carlos Saliadarre (MTD)

2 — Jack Stewart (MTD)

1 — Grant Lynch (BCFC)

Blacktown City keen on capturing the 2021 Mayoral Cup

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It’s a fixture that has been firmly locked in the bank for both Blacktown City FC and fellow rivals Mt Druitt Town Rangers as this Sunday April 11th marks the fight for not only three points in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition but for the right to be crowned the Mayoral Cup winner for 2021 at Lily Homes Stadium.

It’s been billed as the “real battle of the West” as Mark Crittenden’s side goes head-to-head with Stewart Montgomery’s up and coming Rangers at 3pm.

It will be a baptism of fire for newly announced Blacktown City Executive Chairman Bob Turner who is eagerly anticipating his first ever Mayoral Cup battle since his appointment into the football scene.

Turner is pushing for a full house at the iconic Lily Homes Stadium with the club promoting an exciting initiative to reach that objective in tapping into the local Blacktown Council employees.

“We have made an offer to all Blacktown Council employees for free admission to this game and a reduced price of $10 for their partners.

“With 2,000 employees, hopefully a few will take up the offer and we can fill Lily Homes Stadium set to watch this blockbuster event.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Blacktown City Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths will both be keen observers of the highly anticipated match.

What: Blacktown Mayoral Cup – Blacktown City FC Vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC

When: Sunday, April 11, 3pm

Where:  Lily Homes Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills

Shabow goes bang in Blacktown City victory

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A Mario Shabow double has helped Blacktown City to a 2-0 win against a ten-man Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw Park on Saturday. 

Strikes either side of the interval from the former A-League attacking dynamo Shabow were the difference as Blacktown made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

A red card to Sharks striker Peter Simonoski in the first half made it tough for the home side to keep pace with their opponents as they looked to secure an unlikely draw after backing up from their rescheduled Wednesday evening 1-0 loss to APIA Leichhardt.

However, it wasn’t to be with Blacktown securing all three points to stay in the finals race.

Sutherland had a fast start to the contest when Jonathan Grozdanovski fashioned an early chance.

The young striker hit the upright after turning on a sixpence which almost caught out Blacktown shotstopper Tristan Prendergast.

After the dismal one-nil loss to APIA in midweek, Sharks’ coach Nick Dimovski handed striker Peter Simonoski his first start of the season after a long injury lay-off and he made himself busy in the opening exchanges.

But it would prove a bittersweet return for the experienced frontman

The frenetic pace couldn’t continue in the humid conditions and both side welcomed the drinks break midway through the half.

For all the early promise there was little in the way of goalmouth action as the cat and mouse midfield battle took precedence.

Blacktown’s Lachlan Campbell played the perfect ball over the top for Jak O’Brien but the midfielder was caught offside by the advancing Sharks’ defence on the restart.

The visitors were probing every area in search of the opening goal and it eventually came from Shabow who latched onto a loose ball in the box to hammer City ahead.

A short corner played to Adam Berry was crossed into the mix and in the ensuing scramble it was the City striker who kept the coolest head to rifle home.

It was an all too familiar feeling for the Sharks this season who would once again need to dig deep to come from behind if they were to get anything from the match.

Their response would be critical and the situation deteriorated when a Simonoski wayward elbow on Daniel Collins left Referee Craig Fisher with no option but to issue a straight red card.

City thought they had benefited immediately from the numerical advantage in extending the lead when Grant Lynch headed home a free-kick but again the offside flag was raised and the goal rightly disallowed.

Blacktown were on the up going into the half-time break, both by a goal and player to the good, and it would take something very special for the Blues to pull it back.

City adopted a back three formation, Askew pushing up to overload midfield and curb any potential threat, as James Andrew cut a lonely figure up top for Sutherland.

Everett slid the ball through for Andrew whose shot was blocked at the near post by Prendergast but it was as close as the home side would come to a goal.

Suleyman Bangura brought the best out of Anthony Bouzanis from a header after a delightful cross from Dakota Askew, the ‘keeper able to palm the effort over the bar.

Another strike for City was ruled out for offside when Travis Major found the back of the net in the 64th minute.

Shabow was not to be denied when he fired in the rebound after a Bangura shot was parried by Bouzanis.

Alex Masciovecchio posed Blacktown a few problems with his enthusiasm, pace and trickery after coming  off the bench but it proved too little too late for the home side who had succumbed to a thoroughly professional Blacktown performance.

A forlorn Sharks’ coach Nick Dimovski stated afterwards.

“It never helps losing a player so early in the game and it took the sting out of us,” he said.

“I thought my players dug in after the card and tried to contain Blacktown to a respectable performance but we knew they are always a tough opponent.

“Blacktown are coming back into form and can definitely play better and I don’t think today was one of their best performances but it was enough to beat us today but I feel there are a few more gears for them to move up into.

“We have a tough trip down the road against Sydney FC next weekend and we’ll certainly look to bounce back after a disappointing week for us.”

Blacktown City Coach Mark Crittenden said the red card proved to be a major turning point in the match.

“Obviously when they lost a man it changes the game a little bit,” he said.

“But I felt we were pretty much dominating the match from the outset.

“This is always a hard place to come and Nick (Dimovski) has them very well organised and we knew this would be a tough game.

“That said, we have a bit of quality in our squad and we’re starting to get players back from injury and that will help us reach where we want to be but we’re improving.

“We’re starting to find a few goals now, young Mario (Shabow) has got himself a couple today and we kept a clean sheet which is always good, but we’re starting to find the goals now and that’s a real positive for the boys.

“With the boys coming back we’re starting to get the depth of squad we are looking for and today is another step in the right direction.”

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 0 

Blacktown City 2 (Shabow 33’, 67’)

Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda

Saturday, 3rd April 2021

Referee: Craig Fisher

Ast. Refs: Sophie Allum & Matthew Staples

4th Official: Brodie Merchant

Sutherland Sharks: 1.Anthony BOUZANIS, 4.Brendan HOOPER, 5.Nic PETRILLO, 6.Patrick O’SHEA, 7.Peter SIMONOSKI, 8.Oliver GREEN, 10.Lachlan EVERETT, 13.Charlie JONES (22.Patrick SCIBILLIO 76’), 17.James ANDREW, 88.Chris McSTAY, 99.Jonathan GROZDANOVSKI (25.Alex MASCIOVECCHIO 57’)

Substitutes not used: 9.Jeremy COX, 12.Harry SUTHERLAND, 16.Gerrard ROEBUCK, 21.Luke SAUER

Yellow Cards: O’Shea 60’

Red Cards: Simonski 39’

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan PRENDERGAST, 3.Daniel COLLINS, 4.Lachlan CAMPBELL, 5.Grant LYNCH, 6.Matthew LEWIS (24.Jackson BANDIERA 68’), 7.Travis MAJOR (34.Sebastian HERNANDEZ 90+2’), 8.Jak O’BRIEN, 10.Mario SHABOW (22.Carlos DE OLIVEIRA 78’), 17.Dakota ASKEW, 18.Suleyman BANGURA (11.Rhett DESILVA68’), 19.Adam BERRY

Substitutes not used: 20.Dylan NISKI, 40.Charles MENDY

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 –  Shabow (BC)

2 –  Everett (SS)

1 – Collins (BC)

By National Premier Leagues Reporter Micky Brock        

 

Blacktown City run rampant over Rockdale Ilinden

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A trio of second-half goals has helped Blacktown City FC stun potential Premiership candidates Rockdale Ilinden FC 4-1 at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday to once again assert themselves as a ‘dark horse’ in this season’s NPL NSW Men’s Title Challenge.

It was a sensational return to form for Blacktown with the win breaking a two-game losing streak.

Rockdale took an early lead but the home side found a spark from a Matthew Lewis moment of magic to make it 1-1 at the break.

City turned it on after the break with goals to Mario Shabow, Carlos De Oliveira and Travis Major to ensure a well-earned win.

Bright sunshine welcome both sides to Lily Homes Stadium for this contest. Rockdale Ilinden FC got off to a good start with Alec Urosevski having a chance in the opening 60 seconds which went wide.

Grant Lynch tried to spark the Blacktown City FC side in return. The veteran weaved through the defence before he laid the pass to Suleyman Bangura whose effort was soft.

Much of the positive work for Rockdale in the first half came through Urosevski and Mitchell Stamatellis. Both men combined for the opener. Stamatellis passed it wide for Urosevski to float one in off the crossbar for 1-nil.

Again those two operated in tandem in the 18th minute. Stamatellis threaded through a precise ball for the striker whose prodded effort thumped against the post and away. Rockdale aimed to build on their early lead.

Blacktown City FC found their way back into the contest through a moment of Lewis moment. The captain took a fabulous touch then thrashed the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

That goal woke the Blacktown City FC side up inside the final 15 minutes. Mario Shabow, Travis Major and Bangura had chances to put the home side in front. They were unable to find the net and the game headed to half-time level.

Coming out of the break, both sides were much cagier in their approach. Chances were few and far between.

Blacktown City FC held the ball but were unable to find their way past Rockdale shot-stopper David Bradasevic.

Rockdale looked to find a chance on the break. A furious break ended up with substitute Marie Gauthier ghosted into the box but he slid his effort wide of the post.

Blacktown City FC found some joy as the clock ticked into the final 15 minutes. Travis Major rose highest to thump his header against the bar. The rebound fell to the feet of Mario Shabow who slotted home for 2-1.

Not content to sit on their lead, Blacktown City FC continued to push forward and found a third goal. Substitute Carlos De Oliveira found the back of the net to bring the crowd at Lily Homes to their feet at 3-1.

Blacktown City FC put the icing on the cake in stoppage time.

Fan favourite Travis Major with some nice work inside the box and finished past a despairing Bradasevic to make it 4-1.

Speaking afterwards victorious Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden was delighted that the side’s effort has turned into a result tonight:

“We’ve been happy with how we have played the last few weeks and finally got a result. It was a funny first half then we dug deep and got a big result against a good side,” said Crittenden.

“I was confident going into the game. I don’t think we’ve played poorly just haven’t been able to find the back of the net. We did that today and I am quite happy.” he finished.

For Rockdale Ilinden coach Steve Zoric he was disappointed his side weren’t able to find the extra gear against Blacktown City as the 2020 Premiers were brought back down to earth by the hosts.

“It was upsetting and disappointing. We started well [with the goal] and let them into the contest,” Zoric said.

“They were eager and out enthused us tonight. It seemed like whatever changes we made weren’t working today.

“Now it’s back to the training field to work on the small things which cost us.

Match Stats

Blacktown City FC 4 (Lewis ‘30, Shabow ‘75, De Oliveira ‘77, Major ‘90+1)

Rockdale Ilinden FC 1 (Urosevski ‘8)

Sunday 28 th March 2021

Lily Homes Stadium, Seven Hills

Referee: T. Danaskos

Assistant Referees: C. Wright & M. Allum

Fourth Official: M. Ebrahimi

Blacktown City FC: 1. PRENDERGAST Tristan, 3. COLLINS Daniel, 4. CAMPBELL Lachlan, 5. LYNCH Grant, 6. LEWIS Matthew, 7. MAJOR Travis, 8. O’BRIEN Jak (22. DE OLIVEIRA ‘60), 10. SHABOW Mario (24. BANDIERA ‘82), 11. DESILVA Rhett, 18. BANGURA Suleyman (40. HERNANDEZ ‘85), 19. BERRY Adam

Substitutes not used: 17. ASKEW Dakota, 20. NISKI Dylan

Yellow cards: O’Brien, Collins

Red cards: nil

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 1. BRADASEVIC David, 2. PETKOVSKI Daniel, 3. NEILL Michael (11. TANESKI ‘78), 5. KANAIZUMI Banri, 7. UROSEVSKI Alec, 8. WADA Tomoki, 9. ANTONIOU Bai (18. GULISANO ‘57), 14. SORGE Brayden, 15. STAMATELLIS Mitchell, 19. SAVOUR Patrick (10. GAUTHIER ‘71), 23. CIMENTI Kyle

Substitutes not used: 13. SFILIGOI Zac, 22. DI BLASIO Andrew

Yellow cards: Urosevski

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings

3 – Mario Shabow (BCFC)

2 – Suleyman Bangura (BCFC)

1 – Alec Urosevski (RCK)

By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)

Red-hot Sydney United 58 the team to beat hammer Blacktown City

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Sydney United 58 maintained their position at the top of the National Premier Leagues NSW ladder as well as their 100% record after a comfortable 4-1 victory against old foes Blacktown City FC at Sydney United Sports Centre.

The league leaders were flawless throughout the contest as they cruised to their fourth win of the season and have really set the benchmark as being the team to beat in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.

Matthew Sim dazzled the defence with a goal on either side of the break which included a highlight reel free-kick.

Patrick Antelmi and Tariq Maia added the other goals to complete their fourth win of the season as Tomi Vidovic’s side looked too hot to trot.

Blacktown City FC toiled hard but wasn’t able to find the finishing touch tonight.

There was some brief belief in a comeback when Travis Major nodded home. The story of their afternoon was some poor finishing which cost them against the leaders.

Looking to continue their unbeaten run, Sydney United 58 FC were first to have an attempt. Matthew Sim provided a precise through ball into the path of Chris Payne. The striker dragged his shot wide of the post.

Blacktown City FC came into the contest as the underdog and their best threat came from the set-piece. Daniel Collins connected well from a deep free-kick but nodded wide of the goal.

It was Sydney United 58 FC that struck first from some solid play down the wing from Matthew Bilic. He teased a cross across the box, into the box of Sim, who slammed home for 1-nil to the home side.

Pressing home their advantage, Sydney United 58 doubled their advantage in the 34th minute. Devante Clut started the move for Patrick Antelmi to slot home, 2-nil Sydney United 58.

While they continued to press for their first goal, Blacktown City FC was restricted to long-range efforts from Rhett Da Silva. Their best chance fell to Carlos De Oliveira whose shot deflected wide of the goal as they trailed by two at the break.

Coming out of the break and feeling just fine. Sydney United 58 aimed to assert their dominance with Antelmi unfurled a strong shot which stung the palms of Blacktown City FC shot-stopper Tristan Prendergast.

The game started to break open, as Blacktown City FC chased a way back into the contest. Suleyman Bangura was free on the break. The striker bounded on goal but curled his effort wide of Sydney United 58 custodian Danijel Nizic’s right post.

Blacktown City FC was again presented with the perfect chance back into the contest. Some slick passing opened up space on the wing before Travis Major tapped wide.

Ground control to Travis Major saw the Blacktown City FC striker make amends on the second occasion. The corner was curled in and was knocked down by Lachlan Campbell for Major to thump home, 2-1.

The tide had turned, Blacktown City FC started to make the greater chances. Both Bangura and Major had chances in the same movement. They also started to show more thrust in their set-pieces against the home side.

Trying to wrestle control back, Sydney United 58 brought on experienced campaigners Yianni Fragogiannis and Glen Trifiro to shore up the contest. Fragogiannis made an instant impact with a pass which saw Sim hit the post off a Blacktown City FC defender’s back.

It took a moment of magic to bring everyone inside Sydney United Sports Centre to their feet. Matthew Sim stood over the free-kick just outside the area. Sim guided the ball into the top right corner, 3-1 to Sydney United 58.

The fourth goal was made in the substitutions. Fragogiannis started the move, found Jackson Khoury on the right to cut back to Tariq Maia to sweep home for 4-1.

Speaking afterwards, Sydney United 58 coach Tomi Vidovic was measured in his side’s success against a tough Blacktown City FC side.

“We created enough chances to score goals tonight. Blacktown City is a tough and disciplined side that caused us some issues in the second half,” he said.

“We know that we need to improve next weekend against Marconi. I think you can never expect a perfect game.

There are always ways to improve, otherwise, that is when you lose.”

Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden remained positive despite the result.

“They were very clinical tonight, they are a good side. We didn’t take our chances tonight and it cost us,” he said.

“We created enough chances in that second half to get back into the game.

“I was quite happy with our effort after the opening half-hour.”

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 FC 4 (Sim ‘25, ‘79, Antelmi ‘34, Maia ‘89)

Blacktown City FC 1 (Major ‘65)

Sunday 21st March 2021

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: M. Weiner

Assistant Referees: J. Adabjou & M. Staples

Fourth Official: B. Merchant

Sydney United 58 FC: 1. NIZIC Dainjel, 3. ROBERTS Jordan (22. FRAGOGIANNIS ‘73), 4. VLASTELICA Adrian, 5. TOMILIC Anthony, 6. PAYNE Christopher (15. MAIA ‘83), 8. SIM Matthew (7. KHOURY ‘83), 9. ANTELMI Patrick, 10. CLUT Devante (TRIFIRO ‘73), 11. PERKATIS Yianni (14. AGAMEMNONOS ‘59), 16. POSCOLIERO Jacob, 17. BILIC Matthew

Substitutes not used: 21. ORLOVIC Josip

Yellow cards:

Red cards: nil

Blacktown City FC: 1. PRENDERGAST Tristan, 3. COLLINS Daniel, 4. CAMPBELL Lachlan, 5. LYNCH Grant (26. BIRNIE ‘87), 6. LEWIS Matthew, 7. MAJOR Travis, 11. DA SILVA Rhett, 18. BANGURA Suleyman, 19. BERRY Adam, 22. DE OLIVERA Carlos, 29. O’BRIEN Nicholas (10. SHABOW ‘59)

Substitutes not used: 17. ASKEW Dakota, 40. CUNICO Zane

Yellow cards: Campbell

Red cards: nil

Match Points:

3: Matthew Sim (SYD 58)

2: Patrick Antelmi (SYD 58)

1: Matthew Bilic (Syd 58)

By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)