Smylie ready to break Mariners hearts

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He may have spent four successive seasons at the Central Coast Mariners, but for 21-year-old Jordan Smylie, friendships will be pushed aside as he hopes to steer his new club Blacktown City towards the round of 16 in the FFA Cup when the two lock horns this Saturday at the Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee.

Having joined the A-League outfit as a youth player during the 2017/18 season, the young striker worked his way into the senior side which saw him earn 13 appearances as well as scoring his maiden goal in the club’s 2-0 victory over Macarthur FC last year.

You couldn’t have written a better script as Smylie was snapped up by National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side Blacktown City for the 2022 season – with his official debut set to be a firecracker against his former club the Mariners on Saturday.

“It’s been quite nerve racking to be honest as it is my debut for Blacktown City whilst also facing my old club but I’m hoping to play well and do my bit for the team so we can hopefully get a great result,” Smylie stated to Football NSW.

“Preparations for this match have gone really well considering the small amount of training we have had, the boys are all in tip-top shape and are ready to give the Central Coast Mariners a run for their money.

“I know since arriving at the club, the FFA Cup means so much to everyone here as we all remember a few years ago Blacktown City knocked out the Mariners and we are all pumped and looking forward to making it happen again in Mudgee.”

The lively regional town of Mudgee will be buzzing as the locals look set to welcome both clubs as the Round of 32 clash takes centre stage at 5pm.

Apart from Smylie, City have recruited a couple of other new stars, welcoming back former A-League star and another ex-Mariner Mitchell Mallia as well as another rising young star Jake Trew.

“We’ve all settled in really well and the lads have been incredibly welcoming which always makes it easier coming into a new team.”

Blacktown City continue to be one of the benchmark teams in the NPL NSW Men’s competition coached by one of the greatest managers and mentors to have passed through these circles in Mark Crittenden, someone Smylie states has been amazing since day one of his arrival.

“Critto has been unreal and he’s a top-class coach.

“He’s told me what he expects from me day in day out and the plans we have put in place for the game are all positive.

“I cannot wait to get out there and give it my all for my new club.”

With NPL NSW Men’s household names such as Carlos De Oliveira, Dakota Askew, Daniel Collins, Grant Lynch, Jackson Bandiera, Jak O’Brien, Lachlan Campbell, Mario Shabow, Tristan Prendergast and skipper Matt Lewis fired up for the FFA Cup challenge, the Mount Colah resident is hoping to see a sea of Blacktown City support come Saturday.

“Firstly, I just want to say a huge thank you for all the messages and support I’ve received for my move to Blacktown City and also to the fans for being supportive and so welcoming.

“I am aiming to make you all proud in hopefully a historic night so whether its coming to Mudgee for the match or watching it on Channel 10, we will be giving it everything we have to get us through to the next round.”

Blacktown City hope they can become the second Football NSW team to progress to the next stage after the Wollongong Wolves booked themselves a ticket into the round of 16 defeating the Mt Druitt Town Rangers 3-0 last Saturday at Popondetta Park. 

Match Details

FFA Cup Round of 32

Saturday November 13

Blacktown City FC v Central Coast Mariners

Glen Willow Stadium – 5pm

Match to be streamed live on 10 Play

Purchase tickets here