FFA Cup Round 6 Update: Blacktown City bask in derby spoils
Lily Homes Stadium played host to a firecracker of an FFA Cup Round 6 clash as Blacktown City scored bragging rights defeating their arch-rivals and neighbours Blacktown Spartans 4-2.
It was the NPL 2 NSW Men’s side that got off to a cracking start as Emilio Martinez drew first blood for Andrew Montgomery’s squad before an unfortunate own goal levelled the match in the 40th minute. Both teams looked as though they settled for a draw at the break but Mark Crittenden’s men had other ideas as they won themselves a penalty. Up stepped Charles Mendy who slotted the ball in the back of the net in stoppage time and it was advantage City at the break.
The game went through yet another twist as Alex Gollan equalised in the 58th minute but Daniel Collins put City ahead yet again in the 63rd minute.
The Spartans went hammer and tong as they chased for that elusive equaliser once more as Montgomery reverted to a 3-4-3 formation but Crittenden and co had the last laugh as rising young defender Alen Harbas scored a goal he’ll never forget in the 89th minute and it was game set and match Blacktown City as they ran out 4-2 victors.
In a postponed round 5 fixture a major shock took place at Cook Park in Mt Pritchard as Football St George outfit Banksia Tigers stunned its competitors, struggling NPL 2 NSW Men’s outfit Mounties Wanderers by holding their nerve defeating them 4-1 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
The hero of the evening was former Sutherland Sharks, Bankstown City FC and Wollongong United keeper Jordan Nikolovski who saved two penalties that sent a raucous Banksia Tigers crowd into raptures as the victory set up the Tigers with a round 6 date against NPL NSW Men’s club Manly United at Cromer Park next Tuesday.
