A big second-half showing has helped Blacktown City to a dominant 3-0 win against Sydney FC at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday.
While the match was locked scoreless at the break, Blacktown City found their rhythm in the second stanza as Travis Major, Mario Shabow and Suleyman Bangura hit the back of the net to secure all three competition points.
It was another frustrating result for Sydney FC who have now gone six matches without a win.
The win moves Blacktown City into second place on the ladder, only two points behind competition leaders Rockdale Ilinden.
The match got off to a slow start with both sides taking a conservative approach.
Jordi Swibel had the best chance to open the scoring for the visitors after a magnificent combination of first-touch passes found him open at the edge of the box but he sent his shot just wide.
Blacktown found their feet shortly after and came agonisingly close from a corner after Lachlan Campbell’s close-range head hit the side-netting.
Sydney FC continued on their pursuit for a goal but was denied after a brilliant double save from Tristan Pendergast denied efforts from Tom Fay and Patrick Yazbek
Major began to make himself the focal point of the attack in the later stages of the first half.
His header across goal from a free-kick went inches past the oncoming Campbell at the back post who would have had an open goal to aim at.
Blacktown went into the break looking the more likely, however were caught offside in dangerous areas shortly before the referee blew his whistle as the sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
The hosts were given a golden opportunity for the opening goal in the 48th minute when Aaron Gurd brought down Major in the box.
Tom Heward-Belle did his best to deny the spot-kick but was left stranded as the rebound fell to Major to tap in the opener.
Just moments later Blacktown had another open sight of goal after a surging intercept from Campbell fell to an open Major at the edge of the box.
The burly striker’s shot sailed narrowly past the sticks, much to the relief of the Sydney defence.
Blacktown doubled their advantage in the 59th minute after a pin-point cross from Mendy picked out Shabow at the front post.
The skilful midfielder neatly found the back of the net on the half-volley.
Clayton Taylor came closest for the Young Sky Blues in the second half.
He sailed past the Blacktown defence for a one-on-one which he narrowly sent past the back post.
Blacktown wrapped up the win in the 90th minute after a selfless pass from Major gifted Bangura an open net to score his second goal of the season.
Sydney FC Head Coach Jim Van Weeren noted the challenges that his squad faced in this matchup, however was optimistic on parts of the performance.
“First part of the first half we looked good, we created some good moments on the ball and in the build-up, we didn’t convert, and they came back into it, a bit of the story of our season,” he said.
“That’s the challenge with youth players in this competition, a five-minute period and all of a sudden we are out of the game.”
Mark Crittenden was delighted with his side’s second half and their constantly improving attack.
“We had a little adjustment at half time, and I thought we pretty much dominated the second half, which we should to be fair,” he said.
“It’s a good result. The clean sheet was important for us and we’re starting to score a few goals.”
Match Stats
Blacktown City FC 3 ( Major 48’, Shabow 59’, Bangura 90’)
Sydney FC 0
Sunday 25th April 2021
Lily Homes Stadium, Seven Hills
Referee: T. Danaskos
Assistant Referees: C.Wright & S. Quinn
Fourth Official: A. Naji
Blacktown City FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Daniel Collins, 4. Lachlan Campbell, 5. Grant Lynch, 6. Matthew Lewis, 7. Travis Major, 8. Jak O’Brien, 10. Mario Shabow, (11. Rhett Desilva 33’), 17. Dakota Askew, (18. Suleyman Bangura 71’), 19. Adam Berry, 21. Charles Mendy, ( 22. Carlos De Oliveria 71’)
Substitutes Not Used: 14. Caleb Jackson Brown, 20. Dylan Niski,.
Yellow Cards: nil
Red Cards: nil
Sydney FC: 2. Cameron Fong, 3. Aaron Gurd, 5. Tom Fay, 7. Aidan Simmons 8. Patrick Yazbek, (11. Adrian Segecic 60’), 13. Corey Hollman, 14. Aiden Mostofi, 16. Steven Stanic-Floody 17. Jayden Trenkoski, (18. Oscar Priestman 71’), 27. Jordi Swibel, 30. Tom Heward-Belle, (33. Clayton Taylor 71’)
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Levi Kaye, 4. Nathan Grimaldi, 9. Antonio Saracino
Yellow Cards: Gurd 47’
Red Cards: nil