UTS FC buzzing for FFA Cup magical Blacktown City showdown
Northern Suburbs Football Association side UTS FC have marked Wednesday 28th of April at Lily Homes Stadium as the club’s biggest game in its history as their FFA Cup journey continues after drawing National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s giants Blacktown City for their round 5 clash.
In a true David v Goliath battle against one of NSW’s toughest and most prolific clubs, the UTS FC squad coached by former Parramatta Melita star Anthony Mittiga are buzzing at the prospects of playing at Blacktown’s spiritual home ground next Wednesday.
“It’s definitely a great challenge for us, and I cannot wait to see how our guys rise to it,” said the club’s attacker and Club President Lachie Davis.
“It’s great to be playing against this calibre of opposition, Blacktown City are an incredibly strong team in both defence and attack, as I’m sure Tarrawanna and Wollongong can attest to.”
With the likes of NPL NSW Men’s stars such as Travis Major, Mario Shabow, Tristan Prendergast, Grant Lynch, captain inspiration Matt Lewis to name a few, and let’s not forget the coach, one of the league’s best in Mark Crittenden, you can be sure UTS FC will be in for a big night.
“We are expecting a really good game”, said Davis.
“We’ve definitely got that underdog spirit, even as a seventh-tier team coming up away against a second-tier team, our boys have the experience and awareness to not be cowed or overawed by the opposition.
“We feed off that never-say-die attitude, the whole team will be ready to go next Wednesday.
“One thing’s for certain, underestimate us at your own peril.”
One player in particular that will be eagerly anticipating this massive clash is the club’s star player and former Blacktown City footballer Dolor Edosomwan.
The big burly striker was UTS FC’s hero as he scored the only goal of the game which knocked out National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s side Camden Tigers out of the FFA Cup in round 4 of the prestigious knockout competition.
“I’m sure Dolor is ecstatic.
“He’s clearly ready to come up against his former teammates, after that goal against Camden last round, you can tell he’s no stranger to that level.
“Seriously, carving up 5 players over 40 metres and hitting it bottom corner? I’d be worried if I had to face him on Wednesday.”
It wasn’t just the Amazing Race star and ex-Blacktown City striker that Davis stated was one to watch out for from the club.
“I’d also say our goalkeeper Shane Watson is one not to miss. He’s in red-hot form after last round, a couple of phenomenal saves in the first half to keep Camden at bay. He’s heavily involved in the futsal scene as well, so there’ll be a few familiar faces in that Blacktown line-up. I’ve heard there may be some bragging rights between him and Grant Lynch.
“Our captain, Mark Mittiga should be feared by any keeper from set pieces. If you haven’t seen his goal against Lindfield in Round 3, give it a watch, absolutely nothing the keeper could have done there. Let’s see if he can repeat the same magic against Tristan.
“I can’t reveal much more than that, you’ll have to wait, and see come Wednesday.”
Match Details
Wednesday 28th April
FFA Cup Football NSW Preliminary Round 5
Blacktown City v UTS FC
Lily Homes Stadium – 7:30pm
