2023 Mayoral Cup begins

By Bo B Turner

Round 5 of the 2023 nSW Premier League is sure to provide plenty of excitement with Blacktown City FC hosting rivals Mt druitt Town Rangers in the first round of the Mayoral Cup. When these cross town rivals hit the pitch the intensity rises and a classic encounter is on the cards.

Blacktown City FC has maintained the Mayoral Cup for the last five years and Head Coach, Mark Crittenden, and his team are not likely to give up the trophy without a fight. Both teams have had slow starts to the season. Mt druitt comes into the round 5 game with one win and three losses to sit towards the bottom of the ladder. Blacktown City have won two with a loss and a draw to their name thus far.

It has been a challenging start for Blacktown City losing three key strikers in three weeks. Mitch Mallia, a talented and experienced running mate to Leading goal scorer Travis Major, suffered a career ending foot injury and had to retire a week before the season commenced. A week later, young sensation, Jordan Smylie, announced he was taking up a contract in Iceland leaving a hole in the ability to score goals. In round three, against the West Sydney Wanderers, Danny Choi, tore his ACL and will be out the rest of the season.

Coach Mark Crittenden has always relied heavily on his bench and younger players with a philosophy that if someone goes out it provides an opportunity for others to step up. Jack O’Brien is one of those players to step up has scored a goal in each of the last two games including the only goal last weekend against Central Coast Mariners. Captain Mario Shabow is also a key piece for Blacktown as he controls the centre of the pitch to set up scoring opportunities for Travis Major and others.

The Blacktown City Senior Women get their 2023 campaign underway on Sunday, March 12th against Marconi. They will host their rivals at Landen Stadium with high hopes to push their way up the ladder and achieve the goal to progress to NPL 1 Status. Game time is 4pm. The Senior Men will hit the road to take on Marconi in a game that is sure to generate plenty of Round six interest.

That same weekend sees the start of all Junior football as well with the Blacktown Boys and Girls Youth and SAP teams commencing their seasons.

Entering their 70th year of Senior and Junior football, the last few weeks have been eventful for Blacktown City FC with the announcement of

Principal Partner, Walker Corporation, and a new naming Rights partner for their home ground at 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills – “Landen Stadium”. In early March, Blacktown City FC will also welcome the Grand Opening of “The Star Hotel & Events Centre” as their ‘unofficial’ home away from home. Formerly known as Lily’s Function Centre, The Star will host after game functions and a number of events for Blacktown City FC.

The Star Hotel & Events Centre, and Landen Stadium are both owned by Momento Hospitality, a company committed to work with Blacktown City in their planned growth on and off the field.

Blacktown City VS Mt druitt Town Rangers on Sunday, March 5th at Landen Stadium. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm. See you there and Go Blacktown City!