Blacktown City retains Mayoral Cup

BY BOB TURNER

BLACKTOWN City FC defeated the Mt Druitt Town Rangers last Saturday night to once again retain the Blacktown Mayoral Cup for 2023. The 2-0 victory at Popondetta Park was icing on the cake after Blacktown had defeated the Rangers 4-1 earlier in the season. In the eight years since the Cup was set up by previous Blacktown Mayor, Stephen Bali, Blacktown has yet to lose the coveted Cup.

The second leg of the Mayoral Cup was a tight encounter up to the 88th minute of the game. Blacktown had controlled possession throughout the game but were unable to score the all-important goal. Jack O’Brien finally found the back of the net with a tremendous header in the 88th minute to give Blacktown the lead. Four minutes later, in extra time, Mario Shabow put the game on ice with a second goal for the 2-0 victory.

The win elevates Blacktown to 5th on the NSW Premier League ladder with a 9 win-4 draw-7 loss season total to date. Twenty rounds of the competition have now been completed with ten rounds remaining. Apia Leichhardt lead the competition at present with a 12-5-2 record, closely followed by Marconi and Rockdale who both have tallied a 13-2-5 record to date. Marconi and Apia squared off last week in a top of the table encounter with the result being a 1-1 draw.

With ten rounds remaining, Blacktown City’s next home game is a critical one as they host 2nd place Marconi on Sunday, June 25th at Landen Stadium. Marconi took full advantage of a depleted Blacktown side in the early rounds of the competition for a 2-0 win over the defending NSW Champions. Blacktown Coach Mark Crittenden has continued to find ways to compete despite the numerous injuries he has had to contend with. The transfer window is now available and Blacktown have taken full advantage by signing International player Nacho Palacios from Atletic Sant Just in Barcelona, Spain. The defender will be a welcome addition to the side and due to suit up in the clash with Marconi.

Following the game against rivals Marconi on Sunday, Blacktown will have four remaining home games to build their Championship assault. Blacktown will host Sydney FC on the 9th of July, Sydney United on the 23rd of July, St George on the 6th of August, finishing their home stand with the Wollongong Wolves on Sunday, the 20th of August. All home games are played at 3pm at Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills. Blacktown women continue to grow in only their second season of competition. Led by Head Coach David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe, the women had a solid 2-0 win last week against Camden and a 1-1 draw with Marconi the week before. Next home game for the women will be Sunday, July 2nd against rivals Hills United. Game time is 4pm at Landen Stadium.

Blacktown City FC VS Marconi Stallions – Sunday, June 25th, Landen

Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills. Main Game at 3pm with Under 20’s at 1pm. See you there and Go Blacktown City! Go Blacktown City!