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Mallia returns as Blacktown City strengthen for new season

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One of Blacktown City FC’s favourite sons, Mitchell Mallia will once again call Lily Homes Stadium home after agreeing to terms with the club as coach Mark Crittenden continues his preparations for the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.

In a cruel twist of fate, Blacktown City all but looked likely to take out the 2021 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership only for Covid to strike which ultimately put an end to all football activities.

Putting that aside, Crittenden moved swiftly to recruit a couple of new faces to the club, one being a former star player in Mallia.

The 29-year-old is hoping to put his injury issues aside where the club hopes he can rediscover that blistering form that earned him A-League contracts with the Central Coast Mariners, Sydney FC and Perth Glory.

As one favourite son returns, another departs after Travis Major scored himself a 1-year contract deal with Indian Premier League outfit RoundGlass Punjab FC.

Along with Mallia, the club has also recruited former Western Sydney Wanderers NPL young gun Jake Trew and former Central Coast Mariners ace marksman Jordan Smylie in what is a huge acquisition for the club.

The 21-year-old made 13 appearances for the A-League senior squad and was also part of the successful Mariners Academy side led by Nick Montgomery.

Along with Major, Sean Rooney, Rhett Desilva, Suleyman Bangura and keeper Dylan Niski have all departed the club.

Blacktown City continue to be one of the benchmark teams in the NPL NSW Men’s competition coached by one of the greatest managers and mentors to have passed through these circles in ‘Critto’.

With Carlos De Oliveira, Dakota Askew, Daniel Collins, Grant Lynch, Jackson Bandiera, Jak O’Brien, Lachlan Campbell, Mario Shabow, Tristan Prendergast and skipper Matt Lewis all signing on for the 2022 season, the pain of not lifting what was theirs in 2021 due to the pandemic will certainly be a huge motivator in Blacktown City striving for glory and silverware.

Travis Major prepares for Indian journey

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Known as one of the most lethal National Premier League NSW Men’s attackers, Blacktown City FC’s favourite son Travis Major is set to embark on a new journey after agreeing to terms on a 1-year-deal with Indian Premier League outfit RoundGlass Punjab FC.

The 31-year-old who returned to Lily Homes Stadium this year following his time playing top tier football in Hong Kong, was set to sign a new deal with the club only for the Indian club, coached by Englishman Ashley Westwood, to snap him for the 2022 season.

“The move came about really quickly to be honest; I was going to stay at Blacktown City and had agreed with the club but then in the space of 4-5 days the move to India came to fruition,” Major told Football NSW.

“I don’t leave for another four weeks still so I’ve got time to get everything in order and not rush anything which is a welcome change compared to other times I’ve had to leave on a couple day’s notice.”

It was one of Major’s teammates, yet another Blacktown City favourite Sean Rooney who played an integral role in getting Travis signed and seal with RoundGlass Punjab FC.

“Sean Rooney had recommended to me to his old coach Ashley Westwood who is now my new coach, and it went from there.

“As a club, I’ve spoken with some people about Punjab FC and have watched footage to get a better understanding, but the club definitely has big ambitions so it’s a chance for me to grow with the hope of scoring goals, playing well and winning silverware.

“My deal is for the 2022 season so hopefully I can do well, put my best foot forward and look to do well over there beyond this season potentially.”

With the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season coming to an unfortunate premature end due to Covid, Major played a starring role in the club’s push for silverware as the team ended up in first position after seventeen rounds.

Goals weren’t a problem for the prolific marksman who bagged 12 and was one shy of top scorer Patrick Antelmi before the season was cancelled.

Major paid tribute to Blacktown City, a club he puts his blood, sweat and tears for, each time he wears the Black jersey.

“I think everyone knows how much I love Blacktown City, and this is the third time now they have allowed me to leave instantly to take up a professional deal.
“Critto has always been great to me, and everyone knows our relationship so credit to him for always helping me secure deals elsewhere whilst still making Blacktown City a powerhouse of the NPL not just in NSW but across the nation.

“As always I will be paying close attention to the boys and Critto via your website, social channels and NPL.TV and hope they can continue on with their success for yet another big year in 2022.”

Ready to roll – Shabow backing Blacktown to pick up where they left from

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If any side in this seasons’ NPL NSW Men’s competition were ruing the current COVID enforced break, you would confidently say it’s Blacktown City FC.

First on the ladder, top of the scoring charts and on par with a chasing Sydney United 58 FC for goals conceded, not to mention qualifying for the last thirty-two of the FFA Cup, again, they’re the team to beat.

And for their very own star attraction Mario Shabow, he believes the best is yet to come.

“We’re really happy with where we’re sitting on the table but we have more to give. We’re a squad that is constantly trying to improve regardless of our position, which is great.

“Personally, I feel I’ve had a decent season so far, however a few injuries have held me back. Having the break now is allowing me to work on my body to ensure I’ll be ready for the end of the season.”

For Blacktown, they’ll be gunning for their first Premiership since 2015 and as a club that has only missed finals football on four occasions since the turn of the century, it almost feels odd that they’ve had to wait six years between drinks.

However, Shabow says the teams’ togetherness has been vital to their success this year.

“We’re a really close bunch of boys and I think it shows. We’ve had some really hard fought performances this year and being so close as teammates is a key factor.

“Since we’ve been in lockdown that hasn’t changed. The club and squad have been in constant conversation almost daily. We’re checking in on each other a lot and the club has been in touch to offer their help anyway they can.

“It has been really tough not going into training but we’re all putting in the effort individually. I’m confident we’ll be ready to go in what will be a busy end to the season.”

Blacktown City are no strangers to chaotic schedules of late.

Gaining entry into the FFA Cup round of 32 for the fifth time since the competitions’ inception it’s clear that squad depth is integral.

The juicy clash against A-League outfit the Central Coast Mariners will surely be on Shabow and his teammates minds.

Thus far, head coach Mark Crittenden cycled through 26 players in the league this season.

A clear sign of the depth at his disposal but also one of the confidence he has in his players at this level.

“The depth is definitely there. Injuries have hurt us but we’re using this lockdown period to get those sorted.  We’re confident against anyone we come up against.

“Now it’s just time to prepare as best we can for the end of the year but I know we’ll be ready for whatever comes our way.”

-By Joseph Esposito 

 

Major stunner breaks Sharks hearts

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A late Travis Major stunner has helped Blacktown City FC to a 3-2 victory against a resilient Sutherland Sharks at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday.

The hosts were in cruise control, leading 2-0 at the break after goals to Travis Major and Jackson Bandiera had them on course to extend their lead at the top.

But Sutherland refused to quit with a peter Simonoski brace levelling the scores heading into the final moments of the match.

With the game headed for a draw, Major delivered a cruel blow to the Sharks as he curled in a dramatic late winner that keeps Blacktown on top of the table for another week after Sydney United 58 dropped further points with its 1-1 draw against Northbridge Bulls.

Blacktown City FC worked their way into the contest and started to find joy down the flanks. The hosts found the back of the net in first through. The striker poked home after Carlos De Oliveira was repelled twice to make it 1-0.

Surging forward after the opener, Blacktown City dominated possession in the latter stages of the first half. Mario Shabow surged down the right before he cushioned a pass right into the path of De Oliveira to deflect over.

Just after the half-hour mark, Blacktown doubled their advantage. Another strong run on the right side created a deflection which popped up for Bandiera to nod home.

Needing a response, Sutherland tried to push forward. They had one final chance before half-time but last week’s match-winner Oliver Green put his headed right at Blacktown City FC custodian Tristan Prendergast.

The Sharks found some bite just before the hour mark. Sutherland pulled one back through Simonoski who nodded home after the ball fell to the striker, making it 2-1 with just over 30 minutes to play.

Both sides were pushing forward to find the next goal. Sutherland Sharks had a golden chance when Charlie Jones weaved through the defence before he found James Andrew who swept the ball right at Prendergast.

Sutherland Sharks were brighter in the second half and they got themselves a second goal through Simonoski. The corner was flighted to the far stick, headed against the post then Simonoski lashed home for 2-2.

Feeling the energy shifting, Sharks went close again on the counter. It was started by substitute Alex Masciovecchio who threaded a pass for Sharks top goal scorer Andrew to run onto but the striker arrowed wide.

Time slowly ticked away, as both teams looked for the winner. Sharks pushed forward with a set-piece which saw defender Brendan Hooper flick wide. There was one final twist left in the tail of this contest this afternoon.

Blacktown City FC had one final chance to take all three points. Bandiera roamed free on the left, cut the ball back to Major. The experienced striker curved the ball home, making it 3-2 to the home side and sent the home crowd delirious.

It was Major’s twelfth goal of the NPL NSW Men’s campaign as one of the league’s most deadliest marksman continued his stunning form for his beloved club.

Speaking post-match, Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden celebrated his side’s performance despite allowing the Sharks back into the game.

“I am very happy to get the three points. I thought we had enough chances to win the contest before they came back into the game.

“We don’t worry about the ladder but only the football we’re playing. It wasn’t good enough to concede off a set-piece but it was one of those days however we will celebrate those three points.”

For Sutherland Sharks coach Nick Dimovski, there was plenty of positives to take from tonight despite losing the game.

“I’m proud of the boys’ effort tonight. They fought back well, got it back to 2-2 then copped one late which happens in football.

“It is a positive changeroom there, we can take a lot from that game. We pushed a good side in Blacktown City FC and performed strongly.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City FC 3 (Major ‘28 ‘90+2, Bandiera ‘34)

Sutherland Sharks FC 2 (Simonoski ‘57, ‘75)

Sunday 20 June 2021

Lilys Football Centre

Referee: C. Fisher

Assistant Referees: H. Fenton-White & J. Park

Fourth Official: E. Saba

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 (14. JACKSON-BROWN ‘80), 10. SHABOW Mario (18. BANGURA ‘85), 22. DE OLIVEIRA Carlos (9. ROONEY ‘69), 24. BANDIERA Jackson, 29. O’BRIEN Nicholas

Substitutes not used: 11. DESILVA Rhett, 101. HENDERSON Caden

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

Sutherland Sharks FC: 1. BOUZANIS Anthony, 3. CONTIGIANI Gabriel (25. MASCIOVECCHIO ‘45), 5. HOOPER Brendan, 6. O’SHEA Patrick, 7. SIMONOSKI Peter, 9. COX Jeremy (12. SUTHERLAND ‘85), 10. GREEN Oliver, 13. JONES Charlie, 14. LINDSAY Chris, 17. ANDREW James, 88. MCSTAY Christopher

Substitutes not used: 16. ROEBUCK Gerard, 21. SAUER Luke, 22. SCIBILIO Patrick, 23. WILEY Jarrad

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

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

 

Major dismantles out of sorts Ilinden

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A Travis Major hat-trick has helped Blacktown City stretch their lead at the top of the ladder with a 4-2 win against reigning premiers Rockdale Ilinden at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday.

Blacktown City’s star striker couldn’t be stopped after opening his account from the penalty spot before netting twice more after the interval.

It was City’s day with the visitors opening the scoring after only three minutes before Major found his scoring touch ten minutes from the interval.

Rockdale’s Zac Sfiligoi was able to keep Rockdale in the contest early when he scored a 10th minute equaliser, however by the time Gauthier scored the home side’s second in the 86th minute the match was already lost.

The result cement’s Blacktown’s position on top of the competition ladder for another week, while Rockdale fall further behind in their premiership defence.

The match had an explosive start when  Carlos De Oliveria opened the scoring for Blacktown City after Caleb Jackson Brown pinched the ball off a unexpecting Tomoki Wada only three minutes in.

Sfiligoi returned fire in the 9th minute with a long range effort that Tristan Prendergast failed to deal with after slipping through his hands and dropping over the line to level the scores.

The frenetic pace couldn’t continue and a tense midfield chess match ensued, each probing for an opening but ultimately broken up by the defensive units.

City found were gifted a chance to take the lead when Mario Shabow was felled in the Ilinden box by Banri Kanaizumi. Major stepped up to wrong foot David Bradasevic and coolly slot home from the spot to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the interval.

Rockdale rang the changes with Mick Neill replacing Sam Gullisano and started brightly when Alec Urosevski broke down the left into the area but unable to find Bai Antoniou with his centre.

However, it was a long ball out from Prendergast that found Major on the left and a powerful run into the box and lob over Bradasevic to extended City’s lead to 3-1 in the 51st minute.

The reaction was a heightened response from the home side, if that were possible, and further added to the unfolding drama being played out.

Bradasevic pulled off a point blank save, one from a catalogue of classy stops, from a Campbell header while Urosevski was unlucky at the other end after spinning in the box before send his shot wide.

Shabow and De Oliviera linked up well on the right resulting in a Shabow shot flashing across the face, before Major found Matthew Lewis in space but he snatched at the shot and sent it wide of the upright.

Blacktown was increasingly finding space in behind with Rockdale forced into pushing on to get back into the match.

Major completed his hat-trick six minutes from time with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net to put the result beyond doubt.

Not even a late consolation goal to substitute Amaury Gauthier could take the gloss off a very pleasing performance from Blacktown.

Rockdale coach Steve Zoric said his side was their own worst enemy.

“Individual errors have cost us today, which is disappointing,” he said.

“We had to chase the game which then allowed them room to counter after they slipped back into a 5-4-1 formation and sitting deep which they are very good at when they go ahead.

“Once they get their noses in front they are a very dangerous side to break down because they will counter-attack you all day and they are pretty smart at it.

“It’s very hard to draw them out and we had to try and force the pace and made it very difficult for ourselves.

“We now have to look to our game on Wednesday night against Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the FFA Cup and look to put things right.”

A very pleased Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden was understanably jubilant after the game.

“This is always a tough place to come and you need to set up well and we did that today,” he said.

“We gave them a bit of a sniff with a very rare mistake from Tristan (Prendergast) but we felt very confident coming here today. We brought young Caleb (Jackson Brown) into the side for his debut and I felt he was outstanding today.

“The young boys are getting their chance in the side, something we’ve never been afraid of at Blacktown as we believe if you’re good enough you’re old enough, and they are doing the business for us.

“Very happy today as it’s not often you can come here and walk away after scoring four times.”

Match Stats

Rockdale Ilinden 2 (Sfiligoi 9’, Gauthier 86’)

Blacktown City 4 (De Oliviera 3’, Major 32’, 51’, 84’)

Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale

Sunday, 13th June 2021

Referee: Stephen Lucas

Assistant. Referees: Joon Park & Amir Hosnani

Fourth Official: Ivica Covic

Rockdale Ilinden: 1.David BRADASEVIC, 5.Banri KANAIZUMI, 6.Daniel ARAUJO, 7.Alec UROSEVSKI, 8.Tomaki WADA (23.Jordan FIGON 68’), 9.Bai ANTONIOU, 11.Samuel GULISANO (3.Michael NEILL 46), 13.Zac SFILIGOI (10.Amaury GAUTHIER 57’), 14.Brayden SORGE, 16.Mohamed AHMED, 19.Patrick SAVOR,

Substitutes not used: 22.Enrol Ordonez SUAREZ, 43.Mohamed HANDACHE, 45.James NIKOLOVSKI

Yellow Cards: Araujo 42, Savor 53, Ahmed 75’

Red Cards: Nil

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan PRENDERGAST, 3.Daniel COLLINS, 4.Lachlan CAMPBELL, 5.Grant LYNCH, 6.Matthew LEWIS, 7.Travis MAJOR (9.Sean ROONEY 88’), 10.Mario SHABOW (18.Suleyman BANGURA 70’), 14.Caleb JACKSON BROWN,  22.Carlos DE OLIVEIRA (11.Rhett DESILVA 78’), 24.Jackson BANDIERA, 29.Nicholas O’BRIEN

Substitutes not used: 20.Dylan NISKI, 16.Ben BERRY, 26.Tyler BIRNIE

Yellow Cards: Campbell 43, Bangura 90+2

Red Cards: Nil

By National Premier Leagues NSW Reporter Micky Brock