Blacktown City Knockout Central Coast Mariners
They came, they saw, they conquered – leading PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side Blacktown City showed why they are one of the most successful teams in NSW by ousting Hyundai A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners in a thrilling 3-2 victory in front of over 1600 fans at Lily Homes Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The victory for Mark Crittenden’s men meant that they joined the likes of APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Hakoah Sydney City East and Bankstown Berries in the Round of 32 while all eyes will be on the final competing Football NSW side Sydney United 58 as they entertain Far North Queensland Heat next Wednesday at Sydney United Sports Centre.
The current PS4 NPL NSW Men’s league leaders came with a game plan and stuck to it minus the likes of Mitchell Mallia, Danny Choi and Shayne D’Cunha – but it was the Blacktown City FC spirit that shone bright with some great football that knocked out Paul Okon’s men.
The tempo of the match commenced as early as the second minute when Joey Gibbs knocked in a brilliant free-kick which sent the home side into raptures.
Following on from that, it was Giorgio Speranza who scored a well worked goal that gifted the home side a precious 2-0 lead but that only last till the 32nd minute when the elusive Kwabena Appiah Kubi bagged a great individual goal to send the game to 2-1 at the break.
The pendulum swung the way of the Mariners soon after in the second half and it was Appiah Kubi who scored a fortunate goal following a Tristan Prendergast mistake.
The game look destined for extra time but it was the man of the moment and former Hyundai A-League player Gibbs who stepped up to the plate and scored a delightful goal in the 82nd minute that all but assured the home side a precious victory against their much-fancied opponents who started with a host of its new signings with Josh Rose, Antony Golec, Tom Hiariej and Alan Baro all getting the nod.
There were a number of star performances for the home side but the guise of Daniel Araujo in midfield was one that really caught the attention apart from Gibbs sizzling double as well as the tenacious workman-like ethic of Connor Evans. Skipper Matt Lewis played a superb match at the back alongside Zach Cairncross and the Speranza brothers and Prendergast pulled off a number of saves that kept his side in it.
There will be no rest for the wicked however as Blacktown City will play for the Premiership this Sunday when they take on second placed APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Lily Homes Stadium at 3pm hoping to replicate their heroics on Wednesday evening. This match will also be LIVE STREAMED by Football NSW so keep your eyes out on the PS4 NPL NSW Facebook page at 3pm for the coverage.
