Blacktown City earn derby win and top spot
Blacktown City have returned to the winners’ circle – and the top of the PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 table – with a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of Blacktown Spartans at Blacktown Football Park.
The derby win was the perfect response from Mark Crittenden’s men after last weeks embarrassing defeat to Sydney Olympic.
The passion of the derby sparked both teams into action from the opening whistle.
Blacktown Spartans were full of energy early on and it nearly paid dividends in the 9th minute when City shot stopper Nenad Vekic denied Futa Nakumura’s shot.
The home side continued to mount pressure on their opponents with back-to-back opportunities for Nakamura and Shu Sasaki in the 22nd minute.
However, the Spartans paid the ultimate price for an error in the middle of the park after 33 minutes when Nakamura lost possession after he was clattered in a physical challenge.
Travis Major took possession of the loose ball and broke away on the left wing before delivering a pinpoint pass for Mitch Mallia to tap home from five yards out.
Momentum was well and truly in City’s favour after the goal as the visitors took control of the match just before the half-time interval.
From the start of the second half it was all Blacktown City.
Lead by the attacking trio of Patrick Antelmi, Mallia and Major, Crittenden’s side was hungry for goals and took the game to the Spartans.
After 62 minutes Antelmi doubled the visitors lead when he tapped home after a breakaway and cross from Mallia.
City sent wave after wave of attack as the Spartans did their best to hold on.
It didn’t take long for Joey Gibbs to return to the score sheet after he was brought on as a substitute for the first time since a foot injury eight weeks ago.
Doing what he does best, Gibbs tapped home from a Major cross in the 82nd minute for a 3-0 City lead.
The torment continued for the home fans in the 90th minute when Gibbs made it 4-0.
A Dom Dileo error gifted City possession and once again Gibbs took full advantage of the opportunity to cement the result and all three points.
Stand-in Blacktown City captain Matt Lewis said it was a relief to return to the winners’ list after a difficult fortnight for the club.
“We desperately needed a win after our result to Olympic last week,” he said.
“The boys all stood up and put in a huge performance to get the win.
“Having Joey Gibbs back is massive for us and he is sure to get even better with a bit more match fitness under his belt.”
Spartans captain Carlos Saliadarre admitted his side’s performance wasn’t up to the level.
“It was a very tough game for the boys,” he said.
“Blacktown City showed why they are on top of the table.
“There is not too much you can take away from a game like that. Hopefully we can put in a big match next week and finish our season on a high.”
Blacktown Spartans: 0
Blacktown City: 4 (Mallia 32’ Antelmi 62’, Gibbs 82’,90’)
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Blacktown Football Park, Rooty Hill
Referee: Chris Young
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields & Nicholas Backo
Fourth Official: Tristan Harris
Blacktown Spartans: Saliadarre; Crighton, Dukic, Kondek (Da Silva 58’), Morton, Mutch (Enwiya 72’), Nakamura, Quigley, Sasaki, Tanner (Dileo 77’), Tomihiro
Substitutes:, Nascimben, Valastro
Yellow Cards: Morton 78’ Da Silva 90’
Blacktown City: Vekic; Antelmi (Araujo 68’), Choi (Tomoras 83’) , Evans, Fragogiannis, Lewis, Macura, Major, Mallia (Gibbs 74’), TImotheou, Speranza,
Substitutes:, Prendergast, Tomaras, Montford,
Yellow Cards: Evans 74, Macura 77’, 86’
Red Cards: Macura 86’
