Blacktown City in a Tight Race

By Bo B Turner

The 2023 NSW Men’s Premier League season is a tight race after eight rounds of the competition. Blacktown City is sitting in sixth place with a 4 wins -1 Draw -3 Loss record to date after a heartbreaking loss last weekend to Sydney FC 1-0. Rockdale are on a hot streak with seven consecutive wins to lead the competition after eight rounds. Next on the table is Apia Leichhardt who have yet to lose a game followed by both Sydney United and Sydney FC who both have notched up five wins.

The loss to Sydney FC last Friday was a tough one for Coach Mark Crittenden. Blacktown’s defense was solid giving up only the sole goal but were let down in the scoring department, showing the early loss of strikers Mitch Mallia, Jordan Smylie and Danny Choi through injury will be a challenge to overcome. Despite numerous opportunities, it was a case of “If Only’ as the week before Blacktown put on a goal blitz with five scores against the powerful Sydney Olympic to win 5-1. Both Travis Major and Jack O’Brien had two goals each in that contest.

Next up for the Men is Sutherland Sharks at home on Sunday, April 2nd at Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven hills. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm. Clip out the bonus entry offer of one free adult with a child to the Sutherland game.

Sutherland currently has a 2-2-4 record after a tough 0-0 encounter with Sydney United last weekend. Blacktown enters a critical few weeks with an away clash against Sydney United on the 10th of April before coming back home to host Apia Leichhardt on Sunday, the 16th of April.

Blacktown City Women are starting to show their second season will be a determined and solid one. They had a 1-1 draw last weekend against Sutherland and will take on second place hills United this weekend in a clash of rivals. Philippines National team import, Malea Cesar, has been a breath of fresh air for head Coach David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe. Recruited through his mate, Alen Stajcic, head Coach of the Philippine National team that will compete at this year’s Women’s World Cup, Malea is a constant threat that has elevated the overall play of Blacktown. Next home game for Blacktown will be Sunday, April 9th at Landen Stadium. Kick off is 4pm.

Blacktown City FC’s home Ground has ‘Officially’ been christened as Landen Stadium with the main stadium signage being put in place. Go Blacktown City!