Losing a key player puts pressure on an entire team to step up as well as test the depth of the overall team.
Injuries in Rugby League, AFL, rugby and others are a regular occurrence which is why coaches are always looking to build the depth of their rosters.
The depth at Blacktown City has been tested since the beginning of the season, but especially since Round 10 where our young Striker, Jordan Smylie, broke his foot.
Smylie came to us from the Central Coast Mariners and was quickly making his mark scoring eight goals to be equal leader in the Golden Boot Award.
His flare around the goal and hunt for possession was giving opposition defenses headaches. Losing a key striker like Smylie has been difficult to replace, especially as strikers are as important in football as a 30 point player is to basketball.
For the injured player it is always a matter of how much time it will take to get back on the field or court.
In Smylie’s case it may be the whole season. For the player called up it is Opportunity Plus as they get a chance to prove themselves.
All too often that player steps up and makes a return of the established player a difficult choice for the Coach.
Again, at Blacktown City, this is the case for 17-year-old Goalie, Alex Robinson. Established Blacktown Goalie, Tristen Prendergrast, tore his shoulder prior to this season that required surgery.
His back-up was unavailable for the first two rounds of the season leaving Coach Mark Crittenden with the decision to play Robinson, at the time 16 years old.
Coming into Round 14 of the competition, Robinson, now 17, is still in goal and holding his own.
Opportunity knocked and Robinson has taken full advantage. Who knows, he may turn out to be like another former Blacktown Goalie, Matt Ryan, current Socceroo Goalie and Captain.
After a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Sydney Olympic in Round 11 of the NPL 1 Men’s competition, Blacktown City FC bounced back the next week with a resounding win against formidable rival Rockdale 3-0. The loss to Sydney Olympic at home was a difficult one for Blacktown to swallow.
In a game that had it all, including a saved penalty, it was a stoppage-time strike from Roy O’Donovan who sealed the points for Sydney Olympic.
Continuing their dominance
In Round 12, Blacktown City secured a huge 3-0 victory over Rockdale Ilinden at the Ilinden Sports Centre, with a Dakota Askew score and a clever Mitch Mallia strike settling the score as Mark Crittenden’s men celebrated three massive points in the ‘Match of the Round’.
Round 13 of the main Football NSW competition featured Blacktown City against archrivals Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the Blacktown Mayoral Cup. Blacktown took out the first leg of the Cup in Round 2 with a 4-2 victory at Blacktown City Sports Centre.
The Rangers were out to square the series on their home at Popondetta Park and gave the visitors all they had. In the end it was a 1-1 draw with Blacktown once again retaining the Cup but gaining only one point on the championship ladder.
Round 14 against Marconi on Saturday, June 4th, will be a huge test for Blacktown City as they play away to the hottest team in the competition – Marconi.
The Stallions have a draw and four wins in their last five games with a 5-3 win last week against then League leading Sydney FC to elevate Marconi to the top position on 25 points.
Blacktown and Marconi had a 2-2 draw in Round 3 and with the Championship race so tight a win is critical for both teams. If you cannot get to the game watch the action ‘Live’ on NPL.TV at 7pm.
Unlike last season where Blacktown City led the League by ten points with five rounds to go, the Championship race for 2022 is one of the tightest in League history.
The top six teams in the NPL 1 Men’s competition all have 7 wins with two points separating top place Marconi on 25 points. The win over Rockdale and draw with Mt Druitt elevated Blacktown to seven wins, two draws and four losses for 23 competition points.
Sydney FC, Sydney Olympic and Manly all have records of 7-3-3 for 24 points and second spot on the ladder. Apia Leichhardt rest on equal points with Blacktown on 23, setting up a bumper clash with Blacktown on June 12th in Round 15.
The Blacktown Under 20 Men continue to dominate their competition with an 8-2-1 record for 26 points. Wollongong is in second on 22 points.
The success of both Blacktown Men’s team, results in Blacktown as clear favourites to win the Football NSW Club Championship. Currently on 144 points the nearest rival is Sydney FC and Sydney Olympic on 134.
Blacktown Senior Women continue to develop with a solid win over Camden followed by narrow losses to St George and Marconi.
Next Home Game for Blacktown City FC is Sunday, June 12th at Blacktown City Sports Centre. This game will be up against Apia Leichhardt in a Blockbuster Round. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20 Men at 1pm.
Following Home Game is Sunday, June 26th in Round 17 Vs Northbridge so put the date in your diary. See you at the Park!
Go Blacktown City!
Bob Turner is Executive Chairman at Blacktown City FC. Visit www.blacktownfc.com
