Mayora calls Blacktown City “home”

Finding his home in the IGA National Premier League NSW Mens 1 competition has been a task for Matthew Mayora but the striker feels as if he has found it at Blacktown City FC.
Mayora, 27, has played for three IGA National Premier League NSW Mens 1 teams including the Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Marconi Stallions and three stints with Sydney Olympic.
But after linking up with Blacktown in the pre-season, Mayora said he is comfortable at his new club.
“I feel really comfortable at Blacktown, we all have a good bond at the club which makes it even better on the pitch,’’ Mayora told Football NSW.
“From the first time I spoke to Mark Crittenden and Kain Rastall I knew I would be happy.
“We like to play attractive football instead of kick and chase and that is what I wanted.’’
The 2009 IGA National Premier League NSW Mens 1 Golden Boot winner has been paired with several players up front for Blacktown this season.
Despite only having one goal to his name Mayora is happy to be helping his side score.
“My focus is making sure the team scores goals, but that doesn’t mean I am the only one to be scoring,’’ he said.
“If I am not scoring I am setting up my teammates and that is what it’s about – it’s a team sport not an individual one.
“The good thing is that all of us in the team have a good understanding of each other’s games.
“Harris (Gaitatzis) started up front with me this season and we communicated well, and since then he has moved into a midfield role and we still are communicating well.’’
Blacktown City has hit a purple patch recently with wins against the Marconi Stallions and Sydney United and a draw against undefeated Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
But Mayora said the team must remain focused for a full 90 minutes to reach their aim of finishing on top at the completion of the competition.
“Our main goal is to come first this season – it is what we all agreed on at the start of the season and we’ve got the team to do it’’ he said.
“We really have to stay focused in our games though. Against Sutherland we went up 3-0 very quickly and our mindset quickly changed to trying to score as many goals as we could and we were punished and lost 4-3.
“I think we have learnt our lesson there and the good thing is that every player puts in at every training session.
“Even when the under-20s players join us in training they are pushing their case for a call up which is important.’ 
The Blacktown derby awaits City when they face Spartans at Blacktown International Sportspark at 7pm this Saturday.
Whatever happens, Mayora says he is happy to be enjoying his football again.
“Playing football and keeping fit makes me happy – and I am very happy at Blacktown,’’ he said.  
-By Chris Georges