Reigning 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Champions Blacktown City FC won a pulsating contest over a dogged Western Sydney Wanderers side 3-2 at Wanderers Football Park on what was a fiery Friday night of football action.
Western Sydney Wanderers took the lead from the spot through Nathaniel Blair early in the second half before they were pegged back twice by the visitors thanks to goals from Travis Major and Daniel Collins. City not only went a man down with Grant Lynch being sent but they lost their coach Mark Crittenden as well for dissent as Blair struck once again from the spot to make it 2-2 – The hosts weren’t able to take anything from the contest however as Major was at it again scoring from the spot in the dying stages of the match to gift City their first three points of the 2023 campaign.
Blacktown City FC made the early running in the contest. Their talisman Travis Major had a trademark effort which was scratched off the line.
Next, it was one of Blacktown City FC’s other fixtures in the teamsheet, Danny Choi who unfurled a venomous strike which Wanderers custodian Jack Warshawsky pushed wide of the mark.
Wanderers took some time to settle in the contest and had their first real chance halfway through the first half. Marcus Younis had his volley saved by Blacktown City keeper and former Wanderer Tristan Prendergast.
As the half wore on, Blacktown City FC surged forward with another chance. Major cushioned a cross right onto the head of Mario Shabow who was denied by Warshawsky.
Just before the break, Blacktown City FC had a pair of chances to open the scoring. Both Choi and Adam Berry had close range efforts which were swept away by the dogged Wanderers defence.
After a tensely fought first half, it didn’t take long to get our first goal. Wanderers were awarded a penalty after a tackle from Prendergast. Nathaniel Blair stepped up and slotted home to make it 1-0 to the home side.
There was almost an instant response from Blacktown City FC. The move was started by substitute Carlos De Oliviera to release Shabow to slice it wide.
Blacktown City FC found an equaliser on the hour mark. It stemmed from a loping run from Major on the left to earn a corner then the main man swept the ball home to make it 1-1.
It was double delight for Blacktown City FC who turned the game around in the space of a few minutes. A free-kick was lobbed in and the rebound fell to Collins to sweep home for 2-1.
Goals were coming in bunches and Wanderers were given their second penalty of the contest from a hand ball. Blair stepped up again and made it 2-2.
Heading into the final quarter, Blacktown City FC were reduced to ten men when Lynch was shown a second yellow for a challenge.
It was Blacktown City FC’s turn to be awarded a spot kick after the ball pinballed in the area and struck an arm. Major took the ball and placed it on the spot and fired home for his side’s third.
The game stretched as the Wanderers looked for an equaliser again. De Oliviera blazed over for Blacktown City FC while Alexander Badolato did similar for the Wanderers.
Both sides had chances in stoppage time.
Major broke quickly but fired wide then a late corner saw Wanderers Badolato head wide as the visitors took the three points.
Post match Western Sydney Wanderers coach Andrew Christiansen was positive despite the defeat for his side as they battled hard against one of the top sides of the competition.
“I was very proud of the boys effort, the performance was there in patches and we weren’t at our best but I can’t fault them. I think we were unlucky not to have taken something from this game.” said Christiansen.
“Blacktown City are always a benchmark team in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.
“They are well coached and experienced and know how to win games. I was excited for this game to see how we stacked up and I think we performed well overall tonight.” added Christiansen.
Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden praised his side’s effort as they pushed through for the victory albeit with ten-men.
“We gave them a bit too much respect in the first half.
“We had a few chances to really put the game away but failed to do so in the first half.
“In the second half we made an adjustment and did enough to win.
“We fought hard and it was a typical Blacktown City win.
“The Wanderers were well organised and I am sure they will win a few games this season,” said Crittenden.
Match Stats
Friday 10 February 2023
Wanderers Football Park
Referee: Karl Davies
Assistant Referees: Joel Crawford & Blake Sanchez-Cruz
Fourth Official: Hadi Al-Nakeeb
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Blair ‘49, ‘68)
Blacktown City FC 3 (Major ‘60, ‘86, Collins ‘64)
Western Sydney Wanderers: 1. Jack Warshawsky, 5. Daniel Wilmering, 8. Alessandro Lopane (23. Fernandez ‘74), 9. Nathaniel Blair, 10. Alexander Badolato, 12. Edmond Lupancu, 13. Marcus Younis, 14. George Antonis, 26. Yiannis Frerck, 44. Alex Bonetig, 77. Ariath Piol (24. Kuol ‘69)
Unused subs: 2. Matthew O’Donoghue, 6. Frans Deli, 20. Lawrence Caruso, 27. Farah Koko
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Blacktown City FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Daniel Collins, 4. Lachlan Campbell, 5. Grant Lynch, 7. Travis Major, 8. Jak O’Brien (12. Burnie ‘77), 10. Mario Shabow, 11. Danny Choi (17. Kato ‘57), 14. Caleb Jackson-Brown (22. De Oliviera ‘45), 18. Nicholas O’Brien, 19. Adam Berry
Unused subs: 16. Ben Berry, 21. Charles Mendy, 30. Jacob Fernandez
Yellow cards: Lynch, Shabow
Red cards: Lynch
Match Points:
3: Travis Major (BLK)
2: Daniel Collins (BLK)
1: Nathaniel Blair (WSW)