Book review : Game by JJ Rose

A book that is simply called Game, it is the cover shot that gives you more of an idea about the content of this book. I had this one sitting on the pile of unread books for a few months and, given the Socceroos change in fortunes under Tony Popovic, this one took precedence over a number of football books in the same pile. I had an idea of what the subject matter was; after all the font on the book cover did resemble the font of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and I was intrigued to see from which direction this book would take aim. This was surely going to be an attack on FIFA disguised as fiction, perhaps on the way the 2022 world cup was awarded, and I was keen to find out exactly what that was.

Reading Game at the game

I didn’t know anything about the author before I’d finished reading the book; sometimes it is refreshing not to know the background of a writer, so you don’t get preconceptions and ill-conceived suspicions of an author’s leanings. Since reading the book I did a quick delve and the fact that JJ Rose is an academic involved in global politics and a journalist in that field did answer some of my questions. We were already connected on Twitter, by association through our shared publisher, Fair Play Publishing, but his account didn’t give much away about the book.

Is that the Qatar World Cup font?

I was absorbed immediately; the use of familiar names to a football fan of a certain age gave this an air of authenticity. Gascoigne Rush, for example, was a superb name for a character involved in the big business of sport, and the use of the catchy company name Flight left me with little doubt who they were referencing, a global sports brand involved with FIFA and the World Cup. The experiences of the author definitely shone through with the descriptions of the settings, faraway lands described in depth, the succulent, descriptive, almost flowery, phrasing perhaps taking the reader away from using their imagination to build their own idea of each scene.

The main character, Asher Fox, is a likeable soul, and he has a sidekick Windsor who loves a good Shakespeare quote, and there is an elusive love interest Cal who is as mysterious as a lot of the other players who come in and out of the story as we go. The story builds, and gets the reader quite excited for what’s ahead. Getting quite far through the book though, I had the feeling that the story was never getting to the meat of the pie, and I began to worry that what the characters were building would never come to fruition. The premise was a good one though, and had me thinking and preparing for quite a different ending to the one we got.

The changes in setting were swift, the new characters introduced as though you were meant to know who they were already. I did take a few pauses in reading this one, so perhaps I lost track in a few places, or didn’t quite understand the direction it was going. The language used is so over-the-top at times that I needed to look up some words to understand the context. But the mention of a replacement World Cup, more of an FA Cup-style competition, piqued my interest and kept me wanting to read more.

There are some great one-liners in here. “Old mate Alcock, despite his name, sure had balls.” was a good example, and I really appreciated the discussion on what players say to each other as they shake hands at the end of the game. There are scenes straight from other books or movies, and you can’t help thinking of Jason Bourne in some parts of the storyline as the characters jet around the world at a furious pace. The scene at Parkhead where a subtle message is relayed to Asher around the perimiter advertising before a big game was clever, as was the rewriting of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I loved the airport goodbye scene too, the description of someone’s speech as like “prepping for a punchline” and car doors closing “like gunshots” – superb phrases.

Now, I have to be honest at this stage and say that the story didn’t take me where I wanted to go. I was left unfulfilled by what transpired, and expected to learn more about this rival World Cup that was being planned. With the writing so intricate and floral, I couldn’t help thinking that I was being stupid and missing the crux of the story or just not understanding a fictional take on a real event that I didn’t know or recognise somewhere along the line. I felt that I was being made to look dumb or ignorant and that ultimately left me frustrated.

The overly descriptive words used by characters who were meant to have broken English, or English as maybe a third or fourth language, didn’t wash with me. And the number of grammatical errors in the book was astonishing; for someone who writes so eloquently, the incorrect changes in tense, missing words and strange terminology left me scratching my head. Was I reading it incorrectly? Was I the one mistaken? I don’t believe so, and the last line of Page 244 finishing “That’s just poor grammar.” was quite poetic. The changes of tense though, that was really off-putting; having to read and re-read a sentence to understand if it was just me didn’t help the flow.

So, did I enjoy the read? I’d say that yes, I did enjoy the read. The pace of the changes of setting is exciting, the premise of how Asher gets into this crazy world makes you wonder, and there are scenes that would be epic on the big screen. The Hollywood storyline, though, didn’t eventuate despite being teed up beautifully throughout the book. To put it in football terms, it was like a brilliant passing move through the midfield, a square ball to the 30-goal-a-season striker to finish the move, and a total miskick into the crowd leaving the striker on his knees and the crowd in disbelief.

Game, by JJ Rose. I may need to read some more of his work to see if it is just me! I’d also love to hear from someone else who has read this book.

Cool cover

Angry Lions tamed in Blacktown

Blacktown City 2 Inter Lions 0

The first day of winter welcomed the start of the second round of the 2025 Football NSW Girls Youth League 2 Under 18s, Blacktown City emerging victorious after a tough battle with Inter Lions at Landen Stadium. Despite posting a less-than-clean bill of health with an ailing squad, City ground out the win, Zoe Thompson scoring an incredible solo goal in the first half before reacting first to a rebound in the second half to secure the points. An angry Inter team made the referee’s day tougher than it should have been, but the contest ended in smiles and handshakes as the home team consolidated their top half position ahead of a crunch clash next weekend.

A beautiful sunny day in North West Sydney was the scene for a tough encounter between Blacktown City and Inter Lions, two teams who shared the spoils on the opening day of the season and who have both been resolute in defence, yet shot-shy in front of goal. With sickness going around the City squad, the expectation was for a difficult afternoon, and the opening exchanges were played out to a background of hacking and coughing from the field. Inter started with a verve that surprised the hosts, Madeleine Cheng racing away up the left after keeping the ball in, but birthday girl Courtney Kitching was there to clear.

Blacktown’s first foray into Lions’ territory was from a free kick, Thompson pushed in the back in front of the referee, but her set piece was dealt with by the scrambling defence. Rachel Fry and Lily Waterhouse combined on the left soon after, the cross again cleared, and at the other end, Cheng galloped up the left only to be tracked by Angelica Conate, who forced the ball away for a corner. Goalkeeper Courtney Mackenzie came confidently for the corner, but spilled for a split second, enough time for Lara Green to boot the ball clear. Fry went to challenge the loose ball and it fell for Thompson, not far outside her own penalty area. Her arcing run out right took her into the space left by the defenders committed to the corner, and Thompson continued her run, reaching the opposing penalty area unchallenged with the Inter cavalry homing in for the tackle. Goalkeeper Sienna Froggatt was given no chance with a low shot to her right and the ball nestled in the inside of the left-hand post for an incredible solo goal.

A goal to the good, City almost made it two straight away. A stray pass across the back line saw Waterhouse react to intercept and she strode on confidently into the box, firing in a low shot to Froggatt’s left, and the Inter keeper reacted brilliantly to touch the ball onto the post before the ball was hacked away by Hasapis.

Inter attacked; Green was forced to concede a corner as the visitors played in a high ball, and from the corner, Mackenzie showed great hands to deny the pack of Inter players awaiting the scraps. Aurelia Smith and Fry combined in midfield but Fry’s cross was blocked, then Green spun brilliantly from a throw-in, but the cross was too close to Froggatt. A swift move by Inter saw Andrea Michael play a ball over the top for the advancing Angela Diamantopoulos, but Mackenzie was quick off her line to smother.

Zara Gard slipped past Mickayla Gadd on the Inter left, but her cross was cut out by Kitching at the expense of a corner. A clever corner routine with the second corner saw Michael cut in from the left and spin a tempting ball across the penalty area but there were no takers from her teammates. A corner from the right this time saw confusion as Mackenzie looked to field a miss-hit shot, but Gadd’s sliced clearance sent the ball past the goalkeeper, Conate well-placed to clear the ball away from the post. The Inter players were spraying acidic chatter around the field by now, getting angry at each other and creating a negative atmosphere; maybe this was their way of urging each other on.

A long kick from Mackenzie saw Evdokia Papafilopoulos hesitate when she could have run clear through on goal. Thompson then played in Papfilopoulos who did well to keep the ball alive but couldn’t find the final ball. Diamantopoulos smashed in a shot that was straight at Mackenzie, and Zoe Gibson raced through onto a long ball but couldn’t get the ball under control, the assistant referee flagging the offside before she could get the shot in. Conate was upended in the middle of the park, Kitching lifting a long ball into the penalty area, but Froggatt was there to take the ball for the final act of an absorbing first half.

In a scrappy opening to the second half, Cheng found space on the left but she couldn’t get the cross in and the ball was behind for a goal kick. City tried to play controlled possession across the back until Dominique Ashton stood on the ball, and Mimi Sewell was in on goal, but her shot was deflected for a corner. Mackenzie’s safe hands calmed the City defence, plucking the ball out of the air in a dangerous position.

Sarah De Sousa was putting herself about up front for City, knocking Hasapis to the ground in a meaty challenge, before Emily Jackson and Waterhouse combined, Waterhouse striding onto the ball to win her duel with her defender, but her first-time shot was well wide. A crazy short goalkick routine then saw Thompson pounce, Fry tried to keep the ball alive in vain, but the danger signs were there. Thompson was pulled down in midfield, Kitching lifting in a long free kick that was well dealt with by the Inter defence.

A flashpoint came when De Sousa chased a long ball into the corner, Matilda Ryan adjudged to be doing more than shepherding as she gave the City striker a shove. Ryan was incensed at the referee, Ashton took the set piece, which came back to her but she slashed the ball spectacularly over the bar. City were always dangerous coming forward and when Waterhouse intercepted brilliantly in midfield, she fed Jackson on the right, who cut inside to beat two players before sweeping in a cross that was cleared well under pressure by the Inter Lions’ defence. Another good chase on the right from Fry caused the Inter Lions defence to cough up cheap possession, but this time Thompson slashed the ball well wide of the goal.

Eva Gawel was played through at the other end, Mackenzie racing out to clear, as Inter reminded City of the slender scoreline. A long ball over the top from Ashton then sent Thompson away on a long chase. The cross was blocked, but Fry recycled the ball on the left and played a cross field pass to Green on the right, the ball sitting up for her, but the thrilling shot was blazed over the bar. Jackson and Conate then worked their way up the left, the cross found Thompson on the egde of the area, but a deflection took the sting out of the shot and Froggatt saved easily.

Gard was then played in behind the City defence, Ashton getting the ball away for a corner, and Gibson’s deflected effort flashed past the post for another corner. Mackenzie got her fingers to the ball as the second corner came in dangerously, but she was taken out in the process, and the scramble that ensued was curtailed by the referee’s whistle.

Thompson made a good tackle in the middle of midfield and played in Green up the right. The busy winger tricked past her player and smashed in a stinging shot that Froggatt parried away. Thompson had followed up and retrieved the ball on the left, cutting unchallenged onto her right foot as Froggatt regained her feet, and she dinked a delightful shot around the keeper and into the far post for 2-0, lighting up Landen Stadium for a second time with a composed finish. City continued to press, Fry winning a corner on the left, but Ashton’s corner was easily cleared.

A high bouncing clearance from Froggatt then almost caught out City at the other end, Conate and Emilie Chandran on different wavelengths, Gibson momentarily in shooting range, but the shot was cleared by Conate. There was concern when Conate went down after a full-blooded 50-50 challenge in the middle of the park, the dynamic midfielder eventually forced off the field.

A series of corners then almost paid dividends for Inter, Gard’s corner from the right forced out for another on the left which was again scrambled away. De Sousa and Green combined on the right, Green doing well to keep the ball alive but a goalkick was the outcome. Chandran did well on the right to feed Jackson, who spun brilliantly only to be taken out. This was within shooting distance, and Jackson lined up her own shot from the free kick, the ball just clearing the bar to an excited roar from the Landen Stadium faithful.

Another suicidal short goal kick routine was picked off by Waterhouse, who had only one intention, but her shot curled wide of Froggatt’s goal. Inter then had one of their best moves as time ticked towards the 90, Diamantopoulos out to Gard who found Diamantopoulos again, and her swift turn gave her a sight of goal, but the shot went wide. An exciting weaving run by Rachael Morgan took her through two challenges into the City area, but Mackenzie raced out to clear, and the final whistle sounded, Blacktown City relieved to have negotiated a tricky fixture against a team who have been very difficult to beat in 2025. The referee too was relieved to blow the final whistle after the haranguing he had received all game from the players, and surprisingly there were no cautions during a spicy 90 minutes today.

Inter Lions can feel unlucky today; they went down fighting and will definitely give many of the teams further up the ladder a run for their money in the second half of the season. They face Hills United next weekend who have met a speed hump on their way to the premiership, while Blacktown City travel to Kembla Grange for Saturday service against South Coast Flame in what looks like a real turning point in the season.

Hope to see you next week as we dissect the action from Ian McLennan Oval. We’re excited to see what Blacktown City are really made of in a six-pointer that could make or break their season.

Many thanks for reading this far. This part-time journalist brings you action from Blacktown City’s under 18s as a labour of love, and I hope this gives you five minutes of entertainment in your week. Give it a like and a share on social media. You can see more Texi Smith reports at The Roar, where I’ll be covering the Matildas in Canberra and the Socceroos in Perth this week before the pinnacle in Wollongong on Saturday. No editors involved here though; if there are any mistakes, let me know, any mistaken identity, any smelling pistakes, this isn’t the Sydney Morning Herald and we can easily change it! Let’s go City!

Fiery Tigers hit for four

Camden Tigers 0 Blacktown City 4

Blacktown City’s return to form continued on Sunday in Sydney’s South West when a battling Camden Tigers were soundly beaten in the Football NSW Girls Youth League 2 Under 18s. Another captain’s goal for Courtney Kitching from a set piece was followed by an Olimpico from Zoe Thompson as Blacktown recovered from a sluggish start. Goals from Aurelia Smith and Rachel Fry added gloss to the scoreline in the second half as the game went up a notch, the teams trading yellow cards as the occasion became heated, and City now move into the top half of the table as we enter the second round of matches for the season.

This was the game that no one expected to go ahead after torrential rain midweek, but a sunny weekend allowed the two teams to take advantage of perfect footballing conditions at Carbiz Stadium. A slight delay to proceedings saw the game kick off a little late and City’s low energy pre-game warm-up continued into the first five minutes where they found themselves under pressure. Stefanie Hristovski broke free in the City penalty area but Angelica Conate was there in an instant to clear the danger. An early moment of controversy then saw Blacktown goalkeeper Courtney Mackenzie race out of her goal to clear, only to be caught with a late challenge. Incredibly the referee awarded a free kick to Camden after the players had recovered from the meaty collision, an interpretation that could have resulted in a unjustified red card if the letter of the law was strictly applied and the City defenders were non-plussed.

Lara Underwood took the free kick and bounced the ball off the bar as the City defenders looked at each other wide-eyed. Smith took the game by the scruff of the neck and intercepted a pass high up the field, bundling through two players and striding on to strike a low shot past goalkeeper Natalya Robertson but against the base of the post. Moments later the busy midfielder was at it again, bursting forward to strike a shot low to Robertson’s right, and the Camden goakeeper got down well to push the ball around the post for a corner. Thompson delivered the perfect corner from the left and Kitching was allowed the freedom of the six-yard box to poke home on the half-volley for 1-0.

Lily Waterhouse was fouled on the left as she threatened to break, Robertson throwing the ball away in contempt, and Kitching’s long-range effort bounced just wide. More enterprise from Smith freed Lara Green, who won a corner on the right, Thompson this time unable to clear the first defender and the Tigers cleared. An untimely slip by Emilie Chandran then gave Hristovski a run on goal, but Kitching was swiftly on the scene to clear.

Camden’s frequent substitutions were keeping them fresh, and Underwood fired well wide under pressure from Smith. Blacktown looked dangerous on the break, and when Thompson released Green up the right, the pacy winger smashed in a shot that was rising all the way over the bar. Thompson then fed Waterhouse, whose snapshot lacked power, and Myah Colyer’s handball on the Blacktown right gave Kitching another sighter on goal. This time her lofted effort was right into the sun for Robertson, who lost the flight of the ball but watched as the ball bounced harmlessly wide.

Evdokia Papafilopoulos battled well to create a chance, Robertson racing out of her area to clear, but the ball fell to Emily Jackson, who sent the ball back towards goal, only to be hacked away by the last defender. Thompson picked up the ball again and fired goalwards, the ball hitting the same post; City were at least creating chances. At the other end Annabelle White was causing havoc, Conate having her work cut out to contain the livewire attacker.

Persistence from Waterhouse up the left saw her find Smith bursting from midfield, and the pass set Green away again on the right. The shot was again still rising as it cleared the cross bar, another chance coming and going. White then took on Kitching on the Tigers’ left and cut inside, but the offside flag was up before she could get the shot in. Kitching was forced to play a dangerous ball across the face of her own goal to get out of trouble as Camden looked for the equaliser.

Thompson assumed free-kick duties on the right this time and Kitching challenged with Robertson in the Camden goal. The ball spilled to Waterhouse on the byline, who tricked her way around her defender and fired in a low cross that went under Robertson and across the empty goal with no takers to finish the chance. Another free kick for a silly shove then gave Thompson an opportunity to test Robertson, a thumping effort spectacularly tipped onto the bar and away by the Camden shot-stopper in a heart-stopping moment. Thompson wasn’t to be denied though, and it was her in-swinging corner that caught out the Camden defence and nestled inside the far post for a Kyra Cooney-Cross special. There was only muted celebration, the crowd not knowing what had happened, but the score was now 2-0 and City were in control.

Rachel Fry was denied by Robertson, who raced from her goal to slide the ball away, before Thompson and Green combined to feed Smith on the edge of the six-yard box, but the shot was well wide. Another searching run by Green on the right then saw her play in Thompson, who cut inside, but her shot went harmlessly wide of the post. City 2-0 to the good at half time and surely looking to increase that margin in the second half.

Camden Tigers kept the referee and Blacktown City waiting, and City were straight on the attack, Green winning a corner and Thompson firing in a shot when the ball was half-cleared. Thompson’s corner then struck the post, but the ball had already gone out, the third time she had hit the woodwork already. Good play by Smith set Green away again on the right, and the cross found Jackson, who shot wide.

An inoccuous collision between Kitching and White led to a free kick to Camden Tigers, the City defenders remonstrating with the referee over the decision. Mackenzie was grateful for a touch of the ball as the shot sailed into her arms. Hayley Purkiss and Diana Maracic combined for the home side, Maracic beating Kitching, but she couldn’t get around Conate.

A splendid ball by Smith sent Fry away on the left, but the final ball towards Thompson asked a little too much and Robertson was able to clear. Moments later Waterhouse played in Thompson over the top and Robertson was forced to race out of goal again to clear. This time the ball fell to Smith, some 35 yards out, and she kept her composure to place her curling shot over the stranded goalkeeper and into the empty net for 3-0.

Waterhouse again was the orchestrator, playing a ball over for Green; the ball sat up nicely and Green caught the half-volley well but the shot was wide of the goal. Underwood then cut inside on the Camden left and shot, Mackenzie right behind it, as the home team threatened.

A glorious move on the right saw Mikayla Gadd’s clever throw-in find Thompson, and her cross was met first-time by Sarah De Sousa, but the ball screwed wide of the post. Camden then had a period of sustained pressure. Elaine Panayotopoulos forced a corner from Kitching who was visibly frustrated at the referee’s call, and when Underwood swung in the corner, Panayotopoulos went with the unorthodox and hooked an overhead kick well wide of goal.

The fourth City goal was simple and devastatingly effective. Kitching delivered a long ball for Fry. She took an awkward first touch, but then finished coolly with her second, clipping the ball over Robertson for a classy goal to make it 4-0. A slightly underhit backpass from the returning Dominique Ashton caught Mackenzie by surprise and she had to be brave to keep her clean sheet. Panayotopolous then lunged in needlessly on Mackenzie to earn a yellow card, which was followed almost instantaneously by a yellow card for Thompson for a contemptuous shove on her defender as the game threatened to boil over. Jackson and Colyer got into a shoving match, the referee having to intervene to stop a minor skirmish escalating.

A missed handball then had City incensed again, the referee somehow choosing to award a free kick to Camden, and then De Sousa was shoved in the back to earn a free kick to City 25 yards from goal. Colyer was down though, struggling for breath and the game was paused as the dynamic midfielder looked in some discomfort. When play resumed, Jackson’s shot was spilled by Robertson, but she grabbed the rebound before De Sousa could inflict further damage.

Gadd won a corner on the right, Thompson swung the corner in and Robertson did well to punch the ball clear uncer heavy pressure. There was a comedy slip by Chandran that threatened to open the door for Camden, before we saw another contenious moment, Kitching shepherding the ball out for a throw-in, her opponent hitting the floor and the throw-in being awarded to the home team.

A long ball by Jackson then set away Green on the right, who slipped past her player and fired in a shot that was well saved by Robertson in the Camden goal. The resulting corner was lifted in by Ashton, and Papfilopoulos hooked an effort towards goal, but the ball bounced wide. Green was down cramping as the game drew to a close, and the final whistle saw an entertaining game conclude, the visitors running out deserved winners, but not having it all their own way.

Three points, four goals and a clean sheet. This was not a vintage performance from Blacktown City, but it was enough to grab the points and keep the upward impetus going.

City entertain a fast-improving Inter Lions next weekend as the action returns to Landen Stadium, while Camden entertain Marconi Stallions looking to kick start their faltering season against a team only two points ahead of them on the ladder. Half a season has gone, and we now begin to see the ladder shape up, a surprise dip in form by Hills United opening the door for Central Coast Mariners to close the gap at the top, with three other teams on their tails. See you next week.

Thank you for reading. If you see a mistake, let me know and it will be changed. Strange set of photos today, an off-day with the camera on a day of glare; normal service hopefully resuming next weekend!

Seventh heaven as City thrash Strikers

Blacktown City 7 Sutherland Strikers 0

A first-half performance from the top drawer saw Blacktown City almost double their goals for the season as they powered to a five goal lead at the break. A hat-trick from captain and central defender Courtney Kitching and strikes from Zoe Thompson, Lara Green, Emily Jackson and Evdokia Papafilopoulos made fantastic viewing for the City faithful who have seen their team struggle for goals so far this season. Intervention from the officials prevented the scoreline from blowing out as the final half hour remained goalless, but this was a statement win for Blacktown and a welcome freshening of their goal difference in the Football NSW Girls Youth League 2 Under 18s.

A miserable day in North Western Sydney greeted the two teams, the referees late to proceedings as the rain threatened to make an already gloomy day even moreso. City looked relaxed in their warm-up, but Aurelia Smith’s lung-busting run onto Mikayla Gadd’s pass in the first minute set the tone. Strikers’ goalkeeper Stacey Ellis would be in for a difficult afternoon, and her central defensive partnership of Pollyanna Condon and Ella Terzoski would need to offer her as much protection as possible. The game was still in its early stages when Rachel Fry won a corner off the legs of her defender and swung in a cross that Kitching met with an unorthodox right-foot volley, Ellis given no chance as City strode into an early lead.

City continued to push and Green played in Thompson who raced through to fire in a superb shot that was touched over the bar by Ellis for a corner. A succession of corners then saw the ball pop out of the six yard box where Thompson had to wait an age for the ball to come down and her improvised shot deflected off Condon and beat Ellis for 2-0. This was an unprecedented start for City, totally in command and playing with ultimate confidence.

Gadd played a ball into Thompson who found Green racing up the right. She waited for Thompson to get into the area and fired in a cross. It was just out of the reach of Thompson, but hit the unsuspecting Fry in the face, the referee deeming it to have hit Fry’s hand in a bizarre moment. An even more strange moment saw Green swivel and shoot, only for the ball to screw off her boot towards the corner flag; the tricky winger had the wherewithal to chase her own ball and won a corner off the defender. This time the corner was cleared, but the pressure continued as Thompson jinked past her player on the edge of the area and flashed a low shot just past the post. Fabulous inter-play by Gadd, Green and Smith went close to unlocking the Sutherland defence again, but the visitors did finally fashion an attack of their own, Emily Moran racing up the right, Clio Buckley controlling the ball but Kitching there to clear the danger.

The deceptively strong breeze was in City’s favour and they continued to force the game, a looping shot from Fry just clearing the corner of post and bar, and Green won a tussle in midfield and fired in a searing shot that Ellis did well to save. Courtney Mackenzie in the Blacktown City goal had her first touch on 18 minutes, such was the dominance of her team, and when Emilie Chandran slipped a ball inside for Smith, a swift pass found Green in space, who took aim and smashed an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net, giving Ellis no chance for 3-0.

Chandran’s loose ball across the back was then picked up by Buckley and she fired in a shot that Mackenzie dealt with, Sutherland reminding their hosts that the game was not over as a contest. At the other end, Fry won a corner on the right, Kitching eased her defender out of the way but couldn’t force the ball past Ellis, before Thompson fired in a low shot that was well wide. City were creating chances, but could they finish them off?

Smith and Gadd combined on the right to find Thompson, who shot just wide from distance, before Sutherland’s insistance of playing the short game from defence caught them out again, the clearance from Ellis under pressure intercepted by Jackson, who took the ball down, took a step forward and placed a fabulous finish past the stranded goalkeeper for 4-0.

Jackson again took aim from distance soon after as the Strikers turned over possession immediately, this time not catching the shot right, and Thompson played in Papafilopoulos, but the offside flag and a swift intervention from Ellis prevented further score. Fantastic play down the left by Chandran and Lily Waterhouse then saw Papfilopoulos win a corner. This time Thompson took the corner, Kitching’s volley brought cries of handball, and Smith fired the rebound handsomely over the bar.

An outstanding piece of play then brought a fifth goal for the home team as Thompson chased a lost cause up the right. Her persistence saw her keep the ball in and find Green, who waltzed past two tackles and crossed low for Papafilopoulos; her first time effort seemed to take a deflection and loop over Ellis into the net, but it was reward for a superb team effort to keep the move alive.

Gadd was caught in possession on the City right, but cleverly manufactured a foul to fix the issue, and when Thompson was set free on the right, she was chased all the way by Connie Treanor, who brought down the City player, earning a yellow card for persistent infractions. Jackson’s free kick, neither a cross nor a shot, was well wide, and from the goal kick, Terzoski was fortunate when the ball bobbled up onto her hand, but the referee was unsighted. Smith fired in a long-range effort that was easy for Ellis, Thompson chose not to shoot and play in Green, but the ball ran away, and the half ended with a free kick. Chandran raced up the left and was upended, but the half-time whistle sounded before Jackson could cross the ball in from the set piece.

City ahead 5-0 at half time and deservedly so.

With the wind at their backs, Sutherland may have expected more possession and more attacking intent, but it was City out of the blocks quickly. Sarah De Sousa raced up the right but her cross went astray, but when Smith played her in again, a deft touch through the legs of her defender saw her race in on goal, the shot pushed away for a corner. The corner from Jackson was half-cleared, Kitching and Waterhouse both having a bite at it before Kitching leathered the ball into the net past the bemused Ellis for 6-0, a true striker’s finish from the towering defender.

Buckley and Moran gave the visitors some hope, playing a one-two on the edge of the City penalty area, but Kitching slid in to clear the danger. City were straight back on the attack, De Sousa winning the ball on the right before being bundled over, but Kitching’s free kick was harmless. De Sousa was all-action and she raced up the right again onto an exquisite ball from Green to win another corner. Jackson’s corner looped over Ellis in the Sutherland goal, Chandran was in the right place to force the ball towards goal, but the ball was blocked, and Kitching was on hand to stab the ball home for 7-0, the defender completing an unlikely hat-trick and apologising to Chandran for stealing the goal.

City were playing some champagne football. Fry tricked her way up the left, and when she couldn’t go any further, Jackson took over, beat her player and fired in a superb low cross that Papfilopoulos connected with on the volley but blazed over the bar. Smith was well tackled up the right when she threatened to break free, Green played in Papfilopoulos who turned brilliantly to fire in a shot that deflected for another corner. In a moment not seen before, with 30 minutes still left to play, goalkeeper Mackenzie came up for the corner, and Jackson’s ball in found the City shot-stopper free, but she could only get her chest to the ball and send it past the post. That moment of madness now past, City regained composure and continued their hunt for more goals.

Jackson fed Gadd on the right, who played in De Sousa, but the shot was poor, then Jackson won the ball in midfield and fed Green, the long-range shot being watched wide by Ellis but it was still a close call. City continued to win corners, Smith and Gadd combining to win the latest up the right, but this time there was no dividend. Green then advanced centrally and played a sweet ball through for De Sousa. She still had a lot to do, but turned her defender and fired in a shot which Ellis saved and gathered on the rebound with Papafilopoulos lurking.

When Chandran was shoved off the ball on the left, Kitching lifted in a teasing free kick, Ellis advanced but misjudged the bounce and was fortunate to see the ball trickle just wide of her post. An enterprising run by Papafilopoulos saw her take control of the ball in the penalty area with Ellis indecisive, and her ball back to Fry led to a shot that was blocked. Jackson continued her marauding runs through the midfield, this time freeing De Sousa with an outrageous pass, but Ellis was quick to smother at her feet.

When Jackson set off on another searching run, the defence let her continue and shoot, Ellis making the save with Papfilopoulos on hand to smash home the rebound. After a lengthy consultation with the assistant referee, the man in the middle disallowed the goal for offside, today’s VAR not able to confirm that it was onside until well after the game had finished. Jackson’s command of the midfield was underlined by her most precise ball yet, wrong-footing the defence with an incredible through ball to De Sousa, who ran on to shoot, but it was a good height for Ellis, Papafilopoulos unable to make the most of the rebound this time.

Gadd and Green then spread the play up the right, Gadd finding De Sousa who was upended, but the referee waved play on. There was absolute confusion as the assistant referee flagged for an infringement on a throw-in on the City right. Everyone stopped for a few seconds until the referee shouted to play on, De Sousa picked up the ball and instead of going for goal, rolled the ball out for a goal kick, the confusion just too much and the City striker let the referee know what she thought.

De Sousa then played a ball through the tightest gap for Green, who turned and shot from distance but it was easy for Ellis. City hadn’t scored for half an hour, but they kept creating chances. This time Green raced up the right and delivered a stinging cross that Fry caught first time, Ellis tipping the rising shot over the bar for another corner kick.

Another controversial moment followed as Jackson’s corner popped out from the crowd to Chandran, but her shot lacked power. Kitching was standing in front of goalkeeper Ellis and the ball rolled past her into the goal, the referee deeming the City captain to have been involved in play and offside, ruling out the goal immediately. Probably the correct call this time. There was time for another corner as De Sousa continued her toil up the right, but this time Jackson’s cross was easily cleared.

The game ended with Sutherland on the attack. Green was penalised for handball on the left, Condon swung in the ball and Taylor Malin battled to get a cross in, but Kitching was there to clear the danger and the final whistle brought a fascinating game to its conclusion. Sutherland had been swept aside today, City had scored from set-pieces and kept their opponents quiet. Deflections that would normally have ended a move in frustration went to the City player every time, and the art of winning a corner from nothing was demonstrated well by the City attack. Whilst a lot of chances were spurned and the finishing under-cooked, the fact is that City created chance after chance and made their pressure pay, today’s first-half performance especially fluid.

City’s goal difference received a timely boost. With predicted heavy rain theis week, Wednesday’s trip to Central Coast Mariners is in jeopardy, and the weekend trip to Camden Tigers may also fall foul of the weather. Two opponents of contrasting goalscoring feats this season, the visit of Inter Lions to Landen Stadium may be the next fixture we see as we head into winter. Keep track of the Football NSW website for news of fixture changes. Sutherland Strikers host an unpredictable Bankstown City next weekend as they look to consolidate their mid-table position and try to erase today’s result from the memory banks.

An unexpected triumph for Blacktown City today, and whilst their striking problems remain, there are goals all through this team, including their captain fantastic Courtney Kitching, today’s hat-trick hero.

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Goals don’t come easy as City pipped

SD Raiders 1 Blacktown City 0

A single goal midway through the first half from Cayda Oncu was just enough to divide two strong sides at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday in the Football NSW Girls Youth League 2 Under 18s. Despite a second half dominated by the visitors, SD Raiders survived an onslaught and the width of the bar came between Blacktown City and a share of the spoils on a gloomy Mothering Sunday. An entertaining game on a beautiful surface in South West Sydney ended in frustration for Blacktown as their efforts were completely in vain, the spectre of goalscoring continuing to haunt their otherwise positive campaign.

The lush green grass of Ernie Smith Reserve was in pristine condition as the players stepped out with their mums for this Mother’s Day clash in the shadow of the building works for the new SD Raiders club house, the scene set for an intriguing contest between two miserly teams. Keneesha Patrick-Ngo lined up in the Raiders goal behind her two central defenders Harper Ingham and Millie Brown, while a shuffle of the pack for the visitors saw Zoe Thompson partner Courtney Kitching at the heart of the City defence with Courtney Mackenzie in goal. City started the brighter of the two sides, Evdokia Papafilopoulos stealing the ball on the right, playing in Brianna Tinney who teed up Lara Green, but she chose not to shoot from distance and was closed down. Papafilopoulos then went in on Brown, the Raiders’ defender remaining on the ground, the hosts knowing that they were in for a battle.

A lovely ball from Tinney into the path of Green down the City left couldn’t unlock the door, the cross easy for Patrick-Ngo, and when Aurelia Smith freed the speedy winger again, there was no way past her defender. Midfielders Angelique Chowrimootoo and Lillian Munezero then took control, Angelique Zekyrias and Sofia Knezevic combining on the right, but Thompson did well to stretch and clear the dangerous cross. Munezero’s powerful passing was a little strong for her teammates, but when her sweeping pass found Zekyrias on the right, Emilie Chandran did well to clear up for City.

A neat move from the visitors then saw Tinney flick a ball into the path of Papafilopoulos, and the busy striker raced onto the ball and fired a low shot past the post. Midfielder Emily Jackson then embarked on a mazy dribble through the centre to feed Tinney, who dug out a shot from distance that Patrick-Ngo saved comfortably. Papafilopoulos failed to chase a loose ball in the penalty area, the ball holding up on the grass, and a good opportunity was lost, the City striker perhaps used to the slick artificial surfaces where the ball would run and run.

Raiders pressed, Knezevic playing in Rayann Shahin on the left, but the cross was cut out, before Mackenzie had hearts racing with a miskick from the back that happily landed straight at Smith’s feet and City could clear their lines. Ava Zaami then beat Chandran on the right, but Thompson was in the way as Raiders turned up the heat. A huge clearance from Rachel Fry then found Papfilopoulos in a good position. She played a one-two with Tinney, but the ball back went straight through to a relieved Patrick-Ngo. Green teed up Jackson for a thirty-yard screamer that Patrick-Ngo had to pull out of the air as it arrowed goalwards.

A good break by Knezevic on the right saw her tracked all the way by Thompson, who conceded the corner. A disastrous free-kick played across the back line then almost cost City dearly, Chandran dispossessed needlessly and Charlize Fulko advanced on goal, but shot harmlessly wide with Mackenzie exposed. Munezero then stole the ball from Lily Waterhouse, but her snapshot was harmlessly wide. Fulko did remarkably well to keep the ball in on the right and Knezevic raced away with the ball towards goal, but Jackson did well to force the ball away. Munezero then played a delicious ball through for Fulko to run on to; Mackenzie thought about coming out and then realised she had no option, smothering the ball at Fulko’s feet.

City then almost snatched the lead. Tinney went down awkwardly trying to intercept a pass from goalkeeper Patrick-Ngo, and while she lay in distress in an offside position, her teammates fashioned a great chance, Waterhouse racing down the right to flash a cross across goal, Papafilopoulos just unable to get on to the ball for the finish. The unfortunate Zaami limped out of the game, before a sweet turn by Shahin saw her hunted down by Thompson to concede another corner. Shahin herself took the corner from the left, Thompson half-cleared only to Shahin in acres of space, and her pinpoint cross found the head of Oncu whose close-range header gave Mackenzie no chance. Muted celebrations suggested that the home team were expecting more, but this was by no means a comfortable ride for the hosts.

Chandran raced down the right to feed Tinney, and her shot stung the palms of Patrick-Ngo. Great play by Jackson in the corner saw her keep the ball in under heavy pressure, make her way to the byline and cross, the ball deflected behind for a corner. Incredibly neither the referee nor the assistant saw the obvious deflection and a goalkick left the City players incensed. They did eke out a corner moments later though as City turned the key, Jackson getting the ball back, and a piledriver from an acute angle was well fielded by Patrick-Ngo. City were piling on the pressure, and the half ended with Tinney teeing up Waterhouse for a strike, but Patrick-Ngo was right behind it.

With the rain starting to fall, the second half got underway at a frantic pace, Sarah De Sousa intercepting a ball and there was a suggestion of a foul on the edge of the area as she advanced, but the referee was unmoved. At the other end, City struggled to clear a bouncing ball and when Knezevic moved into position for a shot, a fabulous lunge from Chandran cleared the danger.

Mikayla Gadd raced forward and slipped a ball through for Thompson, who had moved into the striking role, but Patrick-Ngo had read the play and cleared, and the teams continued to trade blows, Chowrimootoo with a long-range shot that Mackenzie held. Thompson then raced onto a through-ball, a suspicion of offside not putting her off and she fired a shot into the side-netting as City edged closer, and a shot from distance by Green saw Patrick-Ngo show her impressive handling again. Thompson almost freed Tinney, the pass just delayed a little to allow the defence to regroup, then City almost equalised when Green took aim from 30 yards, her high shot looping over Patrick-Ngo and crashing spectacularly off the bar to excited oohs from the sideline.

Angelica Conate then coughed up possession coming out of defence, but the pacy Munezero couldn’t have expected Conate to catch her as she bore down on Mackenzie’s goal, a precision sliding tackle forcing the ball away for a corner. Chowrimootoo then turned and fired goalwards, an awkward spin on the ball almost catching out Mackenzie.

Green then battled furiously on the right, somehow riding a challenge to make it to the byline, but her cross could only hit Thompson’s legs and the ball was gratefully received by Patrick-Ngo. Kitching then rode two challenges and advanced up the left, her ball through just too far for Green on the chase, and City’s pressure was relentless. A corner on the left from Shahin took the pressure off momentarily, but Mackenzie fielded the cross and City were off on the attack again.

Another fabulous slaloming dribble through midfield from Jackson saw her lift a ball through for Fry, but the ball ran away from her, and some sparkling inter-play between Chandran, Tinney and Fry on the left almost unlocked the door. The final pass was the key, and Tinney did all the hard work to win the ball and advance, but her ball through was straight at Patrick-Ngo.

A fabulous attacking run by Jackson then saw her tease her defender and race to the edge of the area, the cut-back forced back by Thompson to Green, and a cheeky nutmeg gave her the chance to shoot, but this time the shot was high and handsome. Enterprising work from the dynamic trio of Chandran, Tinney and Fry on the left then saw Green pick up the pieces on the edge of the box, but again the shot was too high. Thompson and Fry then both passed up chances to shoot from the edge of the area, the insistence of getting closer to goal maybe the downfall for the visitors. The game was bubbling to its conclusion, the referee earning the ire of both benches with some inconsistent decisions, and the final whistle was met with stunned disbelief from the City players; they had done everything to find the equaliser but it just wouldn’t come, and the final whistle stopped their momentum in its tracks.

A frustrating game for Blacktown City. For all the sparkling football in midfield, the chances remain hard to come by, and the final ball seems to be their achilles heel. The league table confirms the issue, a return of one goal per game and a fourth 1-0 defeat telling its own story. SD Raiders will know that they were in a contest today, but they got their reward to take them into third place in the table.

Blacktown City take on Sutherland Strikers in a six-pointer next Sunday at Landen Stadium, while SD Raiders have their own key game with St George who sit level on points just behind them in the table. The quality of the football on show today was high, the endeavour from both sides commendable, and we look forward to seeing both of these teams progress as the league ladder takes shape. The future of Australian women’s football is bright.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mums out there. Thanks for reading, and thanks for giving a like, a share and a comment wherever you clicked on the link. As always, any mistakes, any mistaken identity, any silly mistakes, let me know. See you all next week for more high quality football.

City win, but at what cost?

South East Phoenix 0 Blacktown City 2

Blacktown City arrested their mini slump in the Football NSW Girls Youth League 2 Under 18s with a commanding victory in Nowra against a spirited South East Phoenix on Sunday. A maiden goal for Evdokia Papafilopoulos and a trademark finish from Zoe Thompson had the visitors in the box seat by half time, but any momentum was lost in the second half and a serious injury to striker Sarah De Sousa stopped the game prematurely, the score remaining 2-0 to Blacktown City as the full-time whistle sounded across the otherwise deserted field.

A game that was in jeopardy all week due to the weather was further affected by a sewerage problem in the main stadium at Ison Park, forcing this game onto an adjoining field as Blacktown City were the latest team to head to South Nowra in search of competition points. South East Phoenix started the day at the bottom of the ladder coming into this one, but had run some teams close in recent weeks, so the injury-hit City would need to be on high alert to turn their season back around. Goalkeeper Millie White took her position behind central defenders Bridie Glover and Emily Grasso for the hosts, but not before the teams had lined up for a solemn minute’s silence for one of the South East Phoenix club members.

City started in a lively fashion, Mikayla Gadd racing forward to force a corner from nothing, and Thompson repeated the feat soon after, the corner kicks themselves not forcing White into any action. Lily Waterhouse was the first player to get a shot in, the ball falling to her outside the area, but she didn’t catch it right and White was right behind it.

A superb run from Emily Jackson saw her feed Thompson who found Lara Green on the rampage up the left, and she teed up a shot that was again straight at White in the Phoenix goal. There was little for Phoenix to feed off up front, and when goalkeeper Courtney Mackenzie did field the ball, she sent it upfield immediately. Papafilopoulos was onto it in a flash, putting enough pressure on her defender to force the error, and she made off towards goal with the ball, taking her time to size up the opportunity and lashed the ball into the goal, giving White no chance. Her first goal of the season, and a well-taken one at that.

Jackson was enjoying a lot of possession, allowed to advance through the middle of midfield, and when she found Thompson, the shot was true, but once more straight at White and Phoenix survived. A long searching run by Waterhouse then won a corner on the left. Thompson went for the in-swinger, which bounced off the near post, City unable to profit from the rebound. When Phoenix did venture forward, they were well marshalled, Aurelia Smith able to ease Hailee Glover off the ball. When a throw-in on the left turned into a corner, Sophie De Wit sent in a shot from distance that Mackenzie easily fielded.

The hosts continued to put themselves about, Courtney Kitching penalised harshly on the left for a foul just outside the penalty area. Grasso sent in the free kick and Mackenzie watched it sail over the bar, hitting the back stanchion of the goal to oohs from the crowd. When Amelia Cummings got free down the right for the home team, she crossed for Marli Renshaw, but Mackenzie was alert to the danger. The game was in the balance, and City were under pressure.

City attacked. Papafilopoulos did well to win the ball and feed Jackson, who advanced upfield and unleashed a shot that just cleared the corner of post and bar. Green then marauded up the left to cross, the ball blazed away out of the park for a corner as a new ball was found. Thompson’s corner found Kitching with the header, and Gadd just couldn’t connect at the far post to convert the chance.

Renshaw then won a free kick on the right. Grasso sent in another searching free kick, but Mackenzie made a difficult save look comfortable.

City started to press for a second. Thompson did well on the right to cross for Papafilopoulos, but her control let her down, White able to intercept, then Jackson’s probing ball for Papafilopoulos saw the City attacker bumped off the ball, fairly according to the referee. Papfilopoulos controlled a high ball and lifted a pass over to Thompson but White was attentive to the unfolding situation and raced out to collect. A fabulous nove involving Jackson, Papafilopoulos and Waterhouse then saw Jackson fire in a shot that White saved and pounced on the rebound as the ball threatened to bounce out of her grasp.

City’s best move of the game saw Smith advance in midfield and play a deliciously weighted pass through for Thompson, who advanced and fired a low shot out of the reach of White, but agonisingly past the far post.

A speculator from Grasso kept Mackenzie on her toes as Phoenix reminded the visitors of the slender scoreline, but City kept pushing for a second goal. A mysterious handball call from the referee gave Jackson the chance to lift in a delightful free kick, but White showed good hands to come and collect the ball under pressure. Green was again busy up the left, embarking on a lung-busting run upfield, Hadli Lissenden doing well to force the ball away for a throw-in. The second goal did finally arrive, and it was beautifully executed, Rachel Fry slipping the ball through for Thompson, and the City striker made no mistake with a low finish past White for 2-0.

A third goal before half time was not out of the realms of possibility, and when Green and Fry combined to play in Thompson, the City forward showed great feet to get away the shot, but White was behind it an saved easily. Blacktown with the advantage at half time and the feeling was that this could develop into a comprehensive victory in the second half as the players disappeared into the changing rooms.

Jackson seemed determined to put White to the test, and took on three players before shooting just wide of the post as City started the second half with their tails up. Gadd found space on the right to cross, but White intercepted well, but there were signs that the game was turning in the hosts’ favour, Angelica Conate and Kitching having to be very neat and tidy at the back, using Mackenzie as the extra defender to mop up when they were involved in a foot race with their attacker. At one stage Kitching left the ball for Mackenzie, who had left the ball for Kitching, and City were almost caught out, and a midfield giveaway by the visitors allowed Glover a sight on goal, but Conate intercepted with a fabulous tackle to cut out the immediate danger.

Grasso’s free kicks were into the right area, but there was little change from the City defence, and when Kitching was penalised for a shove on the edge of the area, Phoenix might have expected more from Grasso, but the ball was well wide of the goal.

The game continued in the City half, and the visiting defence almost coughed up a goal, Gadd’s bizarre ball straight to Leilarni Findeisen giving the Phoenix striker a chance to score her team’s first goal of the season, but the shot was harmlessly wide from close range.

Blacktown finally got their grip back on the game; Fry flicked a ball to De Sousa, who showed good persistence to beat her player on the right and fire in a shot that went just wide. There was a definite shout for a penalty as De Sousa was sent tumbling in the area, the referee unmoved despite the clumsy challenge. Thompson then swivelled and ran at goal, her shot well saved by White and the rebound hacked away by the Phoenix defence. There was a lot of toil, but the end product wasn’t there for Blacktown.

Cummings was the constant thorn up front, the City defence struggling to contain her as she hassled and harried, but it was City with the half-chance when Waterhouse passed to Smith who fed Fry but the powerful shot was always rising and just cleared the bar.

The game ended in extraordinary fashion. A ball was played forward in midfield for City and bounced past De Sousa, who was hauled to the ground and left in a heap on the grass. As players stopped in anticipation of the referee’s whistle, Papafilopoulos was clean through. She hesitated, the referee waved play on, goalkeeper White wasn’t even watching as confusion reigned at Ison Park, and when Papafilopoulos eventually gathered herself and went to shoot, she had left it too late and the shot was blocked. All eyes turned to De Sousa, who had sustained a neck injury, vocally appealing to the referee for the foul, and was now on the floor, not moving and clearly in a lot of pain. The referee sent the players off to the benches to give the two club physios an opportunity to tend to the stricken City player, and eventually, after a lengthy delay, the final whistle sounded to signal the end of the 90 minutes.

City had won the encounter, but De Sousa was down in the middle of the field, awaiting an ambulance to assess the situation. A round of applause accompanied De Sousa into the ambulance after on-field assessment. The City players had a long journey home, De Sousa delayed in Shoalhaven Hospital while she was cleared of any major damage, and an eventful afternoon in Nowra had reaped three points and a clean sheet, but at what cost?

South East Phoenix continue their quest for a first point and a first goal of the season when they entertain Blacktown Spartans on Friday night and on today’s performance they could go close to getting both. Blacktown City meanwhile will be looking to stem the flow of goals for free-scoring SD Raiders when they visit Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Stay tuned for more exciting action from the Football NSW Leagues.

Thanks for reading this far! As always, there may be some facts that need to be corrected; if you spot a mistake, please do not hesitate to contact me and it will be fixed. Those 1s look like 7s on the back of the Phoenix shirts! Look forward to seeing you back next week for another exciting wrap up of the action. And a shout out to the two physios and everyone involved as Blacktown’s Sarah De Sousa was treated on the field at full-time. It’s good to know our girls are in good hands.

Winter of discontent for City

Nepean FC 2 Blacktown City 1

The coldest night of the year in Penrith served up a classic between Nepean and Blacktown City to warm the fans as this twice-rescheduled fixture was finally resolved. Two first-half goals from the exciting talent of Lania Fili set up an intriguing second half where Blacktown struck back through Zoe Thompson but couldn’t find a second goal that their possession merited. A game played in good spirit on a slick surface in chilly conditions, this was a perfect advert for the Football NSW Girls Youth League 2 with skill and power all over the field.

The familiar Nepean backline of goalkeeper Samantha Callaghan behind the two central defenders Addisyn Ives and Abbey Cox would have their work cut out tonight with Bree Tinney recalled up front for Blacktown, but it was the home side that took advantage of the constant breeze in their favour to start the game off on the front foot. City goalkeeper Courtney Mackenzie was called upon twice in the early stages to race out and clear a through ball, and her team would find it hard to clear their lines. City did venture into the Nepean half, Emily Jackson racing down the left to win a corner off her defender, but when Rachel Fry’s corner was cleared, Nepean broke quickly through Tanishi Reddy and City were lucky that she ran out of space.

The lively Charkotte Miller then combined with Jezebel Yuletian, but Mackenzie was quick off her line to clear again, before Blacktown fashioned their first effort on goal, Thompson hassling her defender out of possession and Tinney firing in a shot from distance which was easily held by Callaghan. City continued to probe, a good move by Jackson and Aurelia Smith in midfield seeing Thompson released in a dangerous position, but she chose to pass instead of shoot and the chance was gone. Madeline Southers was running the show for Nepean in midfield, but City were still dangerous on the break. Thompson was hacked down on the left as she cut in; her short free kick was woefully short but the ball fell to Smith whose deflected effort was shepherded out for a corner by Lily Waterhouse to keep the pressure on. Alas, the corner into the danger zone by Fry didn’t find a head and Nepean survived.

An excellent team move by City with Waterhouse getting the ball to Lara Green on the left ended with a cross too close to the goalkeeper, while at the other end Courtney Kitching showed great composure when racing back with Yuletian to chest the ball calmly back to Mackenzie in the City goal. Smith then fed Fry and released Mikayla Gadd on the right, but her cross / shot was easy for Callaghan.

Nepean turned up the heat. Miller played in Southers who shot but Mackenzie was equal to it, and when Yuletian played in Claire O’Sullivan, she crashed to the ground, the sniper from the grassy knoll playing their part in preserving parity. City then conceded a corner, Jackson forgetting where she was for a moment when the ball was bouncing around, Southers taking advantage of a slip by Kitching in the box, but City survived.

A rare foray upfield for City eased the pressure, Smith to Thompson, but the ball back in for the marauding Smith was just out of reach. Kitching then showed her calmness again, heading back to Mackenzie under heavy pressure, but the game was set to change. First, Angelica Conate swept midfielder Fili off her feet in the box amidst heavy calls for a penalty. It looked a nailed-on spot-kick, but Nepean capitalised on the uncertainty, Fili picking up the ball and firing a bouncing shot goalwards. Mackenzie was right behind it, but as she thought about starting the counter-attack, the ball bounced at her feet, and trickled through into the net for a freakish opening goal. Muted celebration for the goalscorer, but it was a shot on target and it went in.

City were straight on the attack from the kick-off, Smith feeding Thomson, but her fierce shot was blocked, and Tinney picked up a ball outside the area and fired goalwards, but a deflection took the sting off the shot and the ball bounced harmleesly through to Callaghan.

We were treated to Fili’s trickery on the right touchline as she danced past a challenge with deft footwork, then Fili got around the back of the Blacktown defence to fire in a shot that was athletically tipped away by Mackenzie for a corner. Two successive corners were dealt with easily by the City defence and they counter-attacked, Green racing up the left before smashing the ball into Skye Haladus’ face from close range. The tough defender was up quickly. The drop-ball confusion that followed was comedy gold, but Nepean were back on the break soon after, Miller playing in Southers, the shot going wide.

The half ended with Nepean on the break. The City defence got in a mess, leaving Fili in space on the right side of the box, and her shot arrowed across Mackenzie’s goal, the City goalkeeper slow to dive at full stretch and the ball nestled inside the post for 2-0, the half time whistle sounding just as the game kicked off again.

City were shell-shocked, but still supremely confident of a turnaround, the persistent wind at their backs in the second half, and they started on the attack. Tinney turned her defender beautifully, but her whipped cross was just too far for Thompson. City then conceded a corner as the midfield was caught out, Smith down injured on the floor, Mackenzie fielding the ball well from the subsequent cross. Kitching was then caught in possession trying to wriggle out of a tight spot, but she was back quickly to mop up when Nepean threatened. Gadd then battled well on the left to win the ball and somehow won a corner, the ball taking a deflectiopn on halfway and rolling out over the goal line.

Fry’s corner was cleared only to Thompson who lifted the ball to the far post, Kitching unable to sort out her feet to control the cross and the ball bounced harmlessly away for a goal kick.

Yuletian then broke up the right, Conate with the vital interception to foil the Nepean attack, before Tinney won a duel on the right, Fry lifted in a great cross, but Green’s attempt on goal was totally miskicked. Hannah Sproule then caused panic in the City defence when she bundled through two tackles and advanced on goal, Kitching clearing up the danger, and the swift counter attack was foiled when the ball bounced through to Callaghan.

A fabulous move then had City a whisker away from a goal, Tinney riding a challenge and squeezing a pass through for Thompson, who laid a ball in for Green, but the speedy winger’s shot under heavy pressure was smothered by Callaghan as she raced from goal. This looked like being ‘one of those nights’, but City struck immediately after that, Green and Thompson battling to win the ball and releasing Thompson, who smashed the ball home past Callaghan for a lifeline for the visitors. Game on at Jamieson Park!

Green’s persistence won a throw on the left and City continued to badger their opponents, and Thompson’s throw saw Smith in a race with Cox, the tall defender standing her ground to win the goal kick as Smith tried her best to dig the ball out. Chloe Bowden then raced forward for City, almost connecting with a one-two from Thompson, but Nepean showed they were not done yet, Ives riding a crude challange by Tinney to play in O’Sullivan, but Mackenzie was out quickly to clear.

Thompson then chased a long hopeful ball up the left to win a throw-on against all odds and Tinney was shoved in the back to win a free kick on the right. The pressure was intensifying, but so was the frustration, Tinney finally booked after lashing out with a needless hack on her defender. The close-control and intricate passing from City was wonderful, Green bursting through to force a ball through for Tinney, whose turn was sublime, but the shot from Fry lacked power and Callaghan easily fielded. Thompson was played in by Tinney, but Callaghan did well to race out, a concerning injury to her defender holding up the game for a minute in the aftermath.

City had gone on the offensive to try and find the equaliser, but when Fili bounced over Kitching’s wild tackle, Conate had to race across and the cross was brilliantly cleared by Bowden. Fili was again taking control, but City continued to push the envelope. Sarah De Sousa was hurled to the ground to win a free kick on the right. Green then battled to win the ball and turned sweetly, firing in a powerful shot that Callaghan did well to smother at the second attempt.

A moment of inexperience then followed; Green was cramping up and, instead of heading off the field to be replaced with time running out, sat down to get the physio on, time ticking furiusly towards the ninety. Green was up after treatment, and immediately chased down a lost cause to win a corner. Despite warnings from the referee, De Sousa then pushed the goalkeeper as Jackson’s cross came in, and a good position was squandered, the penalty area packed with City players.

City were throwing everything at their opponents. Fry played in Smith who slipped a ball through for Jackson on the right. She left her defender for dead and fired in a shot that was well saved by Callaghan. The chance for Nepean to wrap up the three points was still there though with a minute remaining, Kitching bumped off the ball, but Yuletian couldn’t find a way past Mackenzie. City pressed to the end, Fry feeding Jackson, but the cross was flashed across goal with no takers. The game ended with De Sousa battling to win the ball, and the final whistle was met with relief from the Nepean players and despair from the visiting City contingent.

This had been a fantastic contest, and an exciting game to watch for the hardy souls who had braved the first wintry evening of 2025. A game that City goalkeeper Mackenzie may choose not to revisit for that moment of madness in the first half, but one that gave us a glimpse of Liana Fili and her outstanding close skills as Nepean went on to win the game 2-1.

The uncertainty surrounding the weekend fixtures has City wondering whether their trip to Nowra is likely to go ahead; South East Phoenix will be an intriguing fixture on a muddy grass field after a three-hour drive south. Nepean should continue their good early season form when they entertain Camden Tigers on Sunday, weather permitting. Make sure you check the fixtures before you head off to see a game on the weekend!

Thanks for reading. This crop of photos is extremely low-quality, but that’s all I could manage with the conditions. Mistaken identity on a dark night with poor lighting, difficult-to-read numbers hiding behind long hair does happen – make sure you contact me to correct anything that you see is wrong. Would love to get a like, a share and a comment from you on social media where you saw the link. It helps get the word out!

Sydney win as Sydney loses

Sydney FC 3 Newcastle Jets 2

The Sydney FC regular home season came to an end in an ill-timed Easter Sunday afternoon fixture that coupled as a farewell to long-standing custodian Andrew Redmayne. The timing, a clash with every family lunch or dinner as Greek Easter fell on the same day as Catholic Easter, was one thing, but to have the event in the same precinct as a major AFL event was even more crazy; football was dwarfed by it’s Aussie Rules cousin and made to look Mickey Mouse in comparison. Those who made the journey, a reported 10,000 including plenty of Newcastle Jets shirts, were rewarded for their devotion with an exciting game where the result was never sure until the final whistle sounded.

  • Moore Park express tram
  • Red shirts everywhere
  • Never heard of him
  • Sydney is sky blue
  • Driver Avenue busy
  • A few people ahead
  • A lot of people behind

Easter Sunday was still quite young when we made the journey to Central via West Ryde station, but it only became evident that the AFL was on when we arrived at the light rail stop. “Everyone aboard for the Moore Park express” was the cry from the eager train guards, keen to fill the tram, as another tram pulled up alongside going to the same place and left before we did. By the time we left, the tram was packed, and mainly with the red and white of the Sydney Swans. The Swans fans were shocked that there was a football game on, and the sky blue shirts were a curious novelty against the red background.

Arriving at Moore Park, we were immediately made welcome into the supporters’ zone outside the Sydney Cricket Ground, the activations and street food eclipsing anything that we would ever see at the real football. AFL still remains a mystery to me after all these years; the demographic for an AFL game is very different to a football crowd, almost a rugby union feel to it. Whether you like me saying it or not, it’s an Anglo crowd, and a lot of people heading there seemed to be going for a social catch-up rather than a full-blooded sporting encounter. Think loafers, tailored shorts and open collared shirts, although to be fair they could have been heading to the pub in the Entertainment Quarter. This was of course mixed with the three-generation family groups all bedecked in their red and white finery, still sporting the initials of the Melbourne club that spawned its Sydney offspring.

We had no real plan today; the traditional Crown option on Cleveland Street wasn’t going to be busy and we were running fairly late, so the only option was a quick sup in the Olympic Hotel before heading back to Gate 3. That pub never ceases to amaze me – it is so close to the stadium, but just doesn’t seem to want a football crowd in. It’s the equivalent, if you can indulge me, of Rosie’s Bar in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the last pub before you walk up to Gallowgate at St James’ Park, a pub that is always rammed full on match day right up until kick off. This one could be the same, but they just don’t seem to want a big crowd in.

  • The Allianz duck
  • Allegory for our season
  • Smith makes the save
  • The Best Exotic Marigold Olympic Hotel
  • Which game to go to?
  • Stadium not full
  • Michelle in her element
  • Thank you Redders

That first beer seemed to be the turning point. Up until then, there was no notion of this being a big day, but as soon as that sweet lager hit my lips on a relatively warm day, the four-day public holiday weekend was ready to be used and abused. We stocked up at the main bar on halfway so we could take our cans up to Cove Heights, and the game was just about to kick off, a banner unfurled for Socceroos hero Andrew Redmayne and the Cove in full voice despite smaller-than-usual numbers. Both teams were playing in blue, which was an odd choice, although Newcastle’s change kit was a very dark blue so there was no real clash. The early airing of the SFC chant, the final Come On You Boys In Blue of the season and the slightly late Rhythm of my Heart warmed the crowd, but by this stage Sydney FC were already two goals behind in alarming fashion.

To give you an idea of the goals, from our lofty position looking down on the Sydney defence, it was calamity. Firstly Jordan Courtney-Perkins fell and only casually got up as Newcastle threatened. Lethargy was the key word. The shot was charged down, but squirmed out to the right of the goal, where there was a distinct lack of urgency from the light blue shirts to close the man down, and when the cross was poked in, male supermodel Lachie Rose had the easiest finish, Joel King affording so much room to his man, an identical goal to Max Caputo’s in the recent 3-2 reverse against Melbourne City here at Allianz Stadium. A simply abysmal goal to concede.

Worse was to come as a pedestrian Sydney defence forgot to defend the left side and instead of a big gap on the left for the Jets to exploit, it was a huge chasm on the right for the Jets’ Japanese import Kota Mizunuma to thrash the cross into the net unhindered for 2-0. Memories of that 6-2 defeat here with Liam Reddy gifting goals at will flashed through our minds – this was as bad as it gets and heads were in hands.

With Newcastle threatening again, Sydney hit back unexpectedly up at the far end, and it was Douglas Costa, a man ambling around the field today, who picked up a stray ball and unleashed from distance, the ball arrowing near post for a goal out of nowhere. The muted celebration suggested either utter exhaustion or embarassment at not even being level at home against the Jets, but it was welcome. It was one of those goals where you’re sitting down and then up cheering within a second, no suggestion of a chance coming let alone a goal. The lively Anas Ouahim was close soon after, hitting the side netting from another exquisite pass from Costa, and going into half time there was genuine hope of a comeback.

  • Football is great
  • Half time
  • Lolley might score this one
  • $27 of joy
  • I’d question that these are the best seats
  • Sun block
  • Argh – where’s the sun block?

The lack of familiar Newcastle faces when I went up to the far end at half-time may have had something to do with the Newcastle Knights being scheduled to play at home later in the afternoon, but I was back in my seat well before the start of the second half, ready to turn that hope into reality.

And ten minutes later, Sydney were level, although there was a little controversy. Captain Rhyan Grant, revelling in his more mobile role away from the centre of defence, found himself in an advanced position with Charles M’Mombwa dallying, and nudged the Jets player to the floor. He fed Adrian Segecic, and our in-form marksman did the rest from inside the penalty area with a low rasping shot. We expected the goal to be ruled out for the foul, but in reality, we were well placed and Grant had every right to go for the ball when M’Mombwa’s control wasn’t as tight as it should have been. We’ll take it, controversial or not.

Sydney FC had their tails up, and continued to press, Segecic bringing the best out of the Jets goalkeeper with another stunning strike, Ryan Scott pushing the ball over the bar with a top save. With time running out though, Newcastle were holding on. Grant was again involved as Sydney countered, winning a loose ball and abandoning all defensive duties to slip the ball through for Jaiden Kucharski, and the blossoming striker finished with a devastating shot to give Sydney the lead. There was hope for one more so we might see Redders come on for the last few minutes, but the score remained at 3-2 and Sydney FC had somehow managed to keep their finals dream alive.

  • SYdney FC has a far reach
  • Time to celebrate
  • Not many left to hold the banner
  • Rousing Redders applause
  • Everyone is happy
  • A future baller
  • You don’t want to smell that
  • Douglas the man
  • Signing every single one

The relief was palpable, the players made their way to the Cove to acknowledge the unwavering support they had received over the course of a topsy-turvy season. Redders was on the megaphone, giving the photographers what they wanted, and then gave his youngster a chance to score in front of the Cove, which the fans lapped up. Thankfully there was no feature-length goodbye video a la Bobo. Douglas Costa stayed to do signatures and take photographs as if this was his last game; of course we know he is here next year, but that’s what it seemed like.

All the wives and girlfriends were on the field, lots of youngsters enjoying the extended session with the players, and we were in no hurry to signal the end of the home season, despite it having been a difficult watch at times. There seemed to be a rush to get the football markings off the field, and the groundsmen were already mowing the field ready for the next sporting event at this beautiful venue.

  • A window on Anas
  • Immediate mowing
  • Get these stupid lines off our rugby field
  • Anthony Caceres always popular
  • The pleasure was all ours
  • The man, the legend

We eventually left, amongst the dribs and drabs leaving the 2024/25 season behind as we walked down the stairs for one last time, but we then hit the fans streaming out of the SCG. For a game that goes for hours and had kicked off twenty minutes after ours, there seemed to be a heavy flow of Sydney Swans fans making their way to the light rail. That prompted us to veer to the bus instead, and we got on to a bus already filling with red and white shirts, the game still going on and the background noise of oohs and aahs making it seem that they were missing out on something. What a peculiar situation. Yes, they turn up in numbers, but wow, do they abandon ship when things aren’t going their way.

We were at Central Station in no time, the roads generally clear, and we would have beaten the light rail comfortably. The train to West Ryde was the next train in, and we were at the West Ryde Hotel just over half an hour later to begin a surprisingly big evening, with no talk of the game we had just witnessed or the season we had just experienced, such is the non-consuming nature of football in Australia.

Sydney FC have given us hope of a possible finals appearance, but even if we do somehow get the required points or watch our closest rivals capitulate, the general feeling is that the finals series will be a short one. A win against an off-colour Western United and a fighting draw at Melbourne City on the final day and we could be facing off against Western Sydney Wanderers at Commbank Stadium in May. Now that would get everyone interested again.

If I don’t see you again this season, enjoy the finals series from your armchair. I tried rewinding Paramount+ the other day during the women’s game, and it still didn’t work! Would love to hear your comments about what you’ve seen this season from Sydney FC. Drop me a line on socials, wherever you clicked to find it. Forza Sydney FC!

City fail to make deposit as Bankstown sneak win

Blacktown City 0 Bankstown City Lions 1

A terrific free kick from Rachel Thompson midway through the first half was enough to steer Bankstown City Lions to victory at Landen Stadium as Blacktown City were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal. Despite a host of chances for the home team, there was only ever going to be one goal in it as two well-matched teams battled in the hot sun in this Easter weekend clash. The result led to the two teams swapping positions in the tight mid-table tussle, and City will know that their problem area is far from being resolved.

There was a familiar name for the Lions as Ivana Franulovic lined up in goal behind her central defenders Rachel Thompson and Samantha Casamento and with the lively Mia Martin in midfield, the visitors looked fresh and ready in the early stages. Blacktown took their time to settle, Rachel Fry pressing up the right to win a throw-in to ease the pressure, and from then on, the game was open and hotly contested. Lara Green forced a corner on the left after Emilie Chandran had battled with her defender; Emily Jackson lifted the corner in, Fry laid the ball back for Zoe Thompson, but the shot was just wide of the post.

Bankstown attacked, Hannah Al Koudmani breaking free on the right, but her shot was into the side netting with goalkeeper Courtney Mackenzie relying on instinct to leave the ball. City were the next to go close, Jackson cutting in from the left an unleashing from distance, but the ball bounced harmlessly through to Franulovic. The end-to-end nature of the game continued, Chandran forced to concede a corner on the Bankstown right. The City defence were caught napping as Bankstown took the corner short but Al Koudmani could only fire the ball high and wide. Nova Batman drove in a long-range effort soon after that Mackenzie dealt with comfortably, and City contonued to be hemmed in when Evangeline Santarossa and Allegra Park combined, but Courtney Kitching was alert and cleared the danger from right in front of goal.

Kitching was caught with the ball, but somehow won a free-kick as City diced with danger, and from the resulting long ball, Zoe Thompson took the ball in her stride, but Casamento did well to shepherd her away from goal. A harsh free kick conceded by Angelica Conate gave the visitors a good chance from a useful position; Rachel Thompson rolled the ball to Al Koudmani but the shot was blazed wide. The busy Conate then gifted the ball to her striker with a moment of madness, but she was quick to pounce when the Lions’ player failed to control. A searing hot day, getting hotter and hotter as the sun beat down on the smouldering Landen Stadium surface, allowed at least a drinks break, and both teams were happy to take on fluids.

The Bankstown coach let his team know in no uncertain terms that the performance was not up to standard, but the game continued its open and flowing pattern. Fry poked a ball through for Zoe Thompson, but Franulovic was out quickly to smother with the City striker reluctant to challenge for the ball. When Claudia Janus was sliced down deep inside the City half, that gave Bankstown another free kick in dangerous territory. This time Rachel Thompson lined up the shot, and the crowd held their collective breath as the shot sailed over the wall and beat the outstretched hands of Mackenzie, the ball somehow finding the very top-right corner of the net for an absolute corker of a goal. Quite righty the Bankstown players rejoiced; it was a goal worthy of a bigger stage than this.

The game was now well and truly sparked into life, Fry did a great turn on the left, emulating the superb spin of her teammate Chandran earlier in the half; Lily Waterhouse was onto the ball, and she forced the ball to Zoe Thompson, whose fierce shot was parried by Franulovic, and for a split second, Waterhouse had time and space to sweep the ball home on the rebound, but the defence closed in, and the ball was forced off the line and behind for a corner. Fry’s corner was met on the volley by the in-rushing Kitching but she couldn’t get the purchase on it, and a good chance went begging. The expert officiating was throwing up some strange moments, Zoe Thompson awarded a free kick in mysterious circumstances, and when Green was brought down and Fry played on looking to cross, play was brought back for the free kick, the referee having no faith that the cross would eventuate and that any advantage had gone.

The free kick was played in by Jackson, into the corridor of uncertainty, and Kitching managed to force a corner from Franulovic. Zoe Thompson fired just over from the corner and City’s wait for a goal would continue. Mikayla Gadd gave away possession cheaply on half way and Bankstown were off, Kitching taking a yellow card for the team as she sliced down Janus. Gadd then combined well with Zoe Thompson on the right, but the cross was cleared. Aurelia Smith pressured the Lions’ defence into a corner, Zoe Thompson’s corner kick falling for Green in a good position, but the shot was into Row Z even though she caught it well.

More industry from Smith in midfield saw Zoe Thompson cross to the unmarked Sarah De Sousa, but the free header was well off-target and Bankstown survived. The half ended with City in attack, De Sousa winning a cheap free kick that Zoe Thompson fired in, but Franulovic was behind it all the way. The half-time whistle was most welcome, the players once again having to do battle in furnace-like conditions.

City were slow out of the changing rooms, and were slow at the start of the second half. Bankstown looked the stronger side, but the chances fell City’s way. Smith and Fry combined to set up Zoe Thompson, but her shot was well saved by Franulovic. Green showed quick feet up the left, Zoe Thompson getting the ball through for De Sousa who was upended for a free kick on the left. Another perfectly weighted set piece from Jackson saw Franulovic come out, three City players closing in, and the visiting goalkeeper did well to field the ball. De Sousa then played in Green who had raced forward with a lung-busting run, but she ran out of space, and Green then intercepted a stray pass to tee up Jackson for a long-range shot but the ball bounced wide.

The pressure was relentless. De Sousa eked a free kick from the referee on the right. Kitching lifted in a tempting free kick, Jackson was on the scene, but couldn’t connect – any touch would have surely beaten Franulovic, but the ball rolled harmlessly wide. Gadd then romped up the right to win a corner; Fry’s centre found the head of Kitching, but the header was well off-target under pressure by the City captain. The visitors finally attacked, Sienna Hwaylo combining with Al Koudmani, but Kitching showed them into the corner and out of danger. Mackenzie’s huge kick then saw De Sousa scamper through, but she was crowded out. Chandran and Jackson linked well up the left, a deft ball through for De Sousa who won the corner.

The pressure was mounting. Fry rode a challenge in midfield and fed De Sousa, and her first-time toe-poke whistled just over the bar. Chandran was then sent into space on the left, but opted not to shoot, De Sousa was brought down, but Jackson’s free kick saw Kitching stray offside and another chance was passed up. Another powerful run by Smith than saw her drive a cross in near post, Franulovic getting there before De Sousa, and Jackson gave us a Maradonna run, weaving trough players at will, but she just couldn’t find the final pass. A totally dominant quarter of the game ended with De Sousa feeding Fry, but Franulovic had read the danger and came out to pounce on the ball. The second drinks break was upon us, fluids were needed for a final push.

Confusion reigned at the start of the final quarter, everyone stopped as Al Koudmani fired in a shot, Park did well to win a subsequent corner, and Mackenzie was fouled as she took the cross. De Sousa then attacked, feeding Fry who showed good strength, but again the shot was saved. A long clearance then nearly caught out City, Kitching slipped and Mackenzie could only slice the ball out for a corner. Al Koudmani’s corner flashed across goal with no takers. City continued to push, Smith pushing a ball through for Fry, but she ran out of space, before Smith intercepted a stray pass on the edge of the Bankstown penalty area and advanced on goal, the shot an inch wide of the far post. Glorious play by Green on the left saw Zoe Thompson win a throw-in, but by now a Lions player was down on the ground, game management creeping into the contest at this late stage as legs became weary and faces were flushed.

There was still time. Jackson was fouled on the left, Kitching lifted in another fantastic free kick, but Smith and Jackson couldn’t get the final touch, the ball scrambled for a corner. The sight of Zoe Thompson’s corner kick going straight out of play was a blow, but City weren’t finished, Kitching emerging from defence and embarking on a solo run before flicking the ball to Waterhouse, but the ball ran away from the winger and with it any chance of that equalising goal. The final whistle was a devastating blow; City had run the second half but had been unable to make their possession count.

It’s clear to see what the missing ingredient is; for all the hard work and clever football to create chances, there remains a lack of conviction in the final third of the field. City will need to address this to take their record of one goal per game to the next level. A big test of their defensive quality comes next weekend though as Central Coast Mariners host Blacktown City at Pluim Park, whereas Bankstown host the unpredictable Marconi Stallions back at their Jensen Park home.

Let us rejoice the winning goal today though, a thirty yard screamer into the top right hand corner of the goal; you don’t get many of those in a season, and congratulations Rachel Thompson on the match highlight.

Thanks for reading. See anything incorrect? Let me know and we’ll get it changed right away. Enjoy what you read? This is a labour of love; give this a like wherever you saw it on social media, and follow my accounts on Facebook, Twitter X and Instagram. See you next week.

…and then Sydney FC dropped the basket

Sydney FC 1 Lion City Sailors 0

That famous phrase about putting all your eggs in one basket came to fruition on Wednesday night when a dreadful season coughed up the ultimate slap in the face for the Sydney FC supporters with elimination from the second-tier Asian Champions League 2 at the semi-final stage. A performance that took us right back the final throes of the Steve Corica era saw the Sky Blues camp around the Lion City Sailors’ penalty area with no idea how to break through the defence, and it was only in the final five minutes that the home team looked capable of pulling off the unlikely. The immediate emptying of the stadium at the final whistle told a sorry story. This was a dark moment in a dark period for our famous club.

  • First stop Parramatta
  • Second stop Central Station
  • Driver Avenue open
  • Pre-match fuel
  • Entertainment Quarter
  • The Sydney Royals

Wednesday night 8pm kick off meant a 5.15pm departure via Parramatta and Central, and I met Michelle from work in the city at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park, a ten minute walk from Allianz Stadium. It’s been a long time since we’ve done pre-game at any other place other than the pub there, and we were experienced enough to know that you run the gauntlet if you order food at any of the venues here. Needless to say we waited an uncomfortable amount of time, finally tucking into our American burgers at the Winghaus with barely 30 minutes before kick off. Good food mind you, and a smashing beer to go wth it. On to Allianz Stadium then, and the ten minute walk past all the cars parked on Driver Avenue where there appeared to be a clearway in action. We wondered how many people would not have known the game was on, and the fact that the clearway was put in place late in the day – could have been a field day for the parking inspectors!

  • Last minute scramble for tickets
  • Gates are busy
  • The Cove filling up
  • Here we go

The crowd tonight, as the rain sprinkled, was a mix between die-hard fans and interested blow-ins, along with a good contingent of Singapore support in the away end, with their flags up on the seats at the back. The stadium was pretty empty, but there were a lot of people still coming in; not another pissy 5,000 crowd, but definitely not the numbers we’d seen on the weekend for the Auckland game. We made our way up to Cove Heights, where our usual section had been spread a little, but there were decent numbers.

Our Cove capo and drummer were straight from work in their shirts, leading away the Cove in good-natured sing-song. There was an early SFC chant and the customary “Come on you boys in blue” to the three sides of the stadium, which was well received. The mood was good, the stakes were high, and the game got underway with Sydney FC completely dominating. Anthony Caceres smashed one in near post that was pushed away for a corner up the far end, and when the corner came in, there was a mad scramble and Jordan Courtney-Perkins smashed in a goal. The celebrations were huge. Just the start we needed. However, as the players lined up for the restart, VAR was called into action, and the goal was eventually chalked off. We had no replays, we had no idea what was being checked, but the referee restarted with an offside call and we had our first hint that this was going to be a tough night. Deja vu at Allianz Stadium.

Adrian Segacic fired a free kick wide but it had taken a touch – it looked like a wasted opportunity – and the Sailors’ number 17 then found himself clear on goal. Harrison Devenish-Meares hesitated, but was fortunate to make the save and Sydney FC had escaped. The rain started to lash down, a curtain of mist coming across the floodlights, and we could feel the drops even at our lofty position in Cove Heights. Sydney were in command, but it all looked very pedestrian. Joe Lolley was an NPC, strolling around the field, Leo Sena was infuriatingly slow-moving, and the Sky Blues were seemingly content to wait for an opportunity that might never come. That chance appeared to come from nowhere just before the break, when our best player Anthony Caceres clipped a ball over the top and Rhyan Grant ran in to steer a header just out of the reach of the Lion City goalkeeper. It was almost like his winner in the Grand Final that time, but again the offside flag was up; we didn’t get a chance to see it, but we knew that the expert officials from the AFC would get it right.

The referee in fact had been good and bad. The good was that he refused to stop play for every pathetic flop to the floor. The bad was that he fell for some of them; at one point we had a two minute delay while a player was down for treatment, and then he let the player back on after one second on the sideline. This was all rather predictable by the visitors, and the home team were getting fired up. There were half chances for the Sailors as they broke three on two, but some stout defending kept the visitors to long shots.

Half time saw no half-time heroes on the field, no entertainment, nothing. There was instruction on the big screen of how VAR works. How very 1984. A quick walk around the stadium allowed a quick look at fans in the away end, who were loving the occasion, posing for group photos from the photgraphers on the field; I was back in my seat as the second half kicked off, ready to ride the emotion of another forty-five minutes of AFC Champions League 2 anguish.

  • Angus Young
  • Split the Cove
  • Half time nio fun on the field
  • Lion City reps
  • The away end
  • Flags

Sydney FC had no choice but to go for it in the second half. That left the door open for the visitors, and they had the first chance, an overload on the left allowing a free shot that was blazed over the bar. Sydney came forward, but it was tough to watch. It was a throw-back to Corica-ball as the ball would be passed around the outside of the penalty area from one side to the other and then back again, going backwards more than forwards. Lion City Sailors were in defence mode and wouldn’t let Sydney into the penalty area or let them have any space for a shot. Patryk Klimala tried to con the referee into a penalty; it looked plausible, but with many fans looking at the coverage on their phones for a replay, it was difficult to tell whether or not there was a touch from the defender. I thought he was going down already anyway. He headed one on target soon after which the goalkeeper saved with a slightly over-the-top dive, and the ball just wouldn’t fall for us.

The game management tactics of the Sailors were as expected, the referee falling for one in particular when the striker went down after simply falling over, and a three-minute delay saw most of the Sydney players remonstrating with the referee as to why the game had been stopped. Rhyan Grant toe-poked a shot over the bar when he was well placed. An off-the-ball incident saw Douglas Costa booked – he must have put an arm in front of the player who immediately hit the deck in mock agony. There was even a red card check, the referee heading to the sideline to have a look, but he waved it away. This was heating up. We started to see replays on the screen, consistency never a big part of the AFC experience, but Sydney were continuing their ploy of buzzing around the box with no penetration whatsoever. Corners from Costa were ineffectual. Costa got involved again with a player who fell over from a bump. We held our breath.

Tiago Quintal was on. He got into some good positions on the right, but his crossing was hopeless, the ball cleared every time from the near post with no blue shirt anywhere near it. Segecic tried his luck again but it was blocked. We now had Costa running the show, even though his head didn’t seem to be in the game since the near-miss of the potential red card. Finally, Sydney struck, Joe Lolley taking a knock-back by Rhyan Grant on the right and given space to find a superb shot which nestled into the net to a huge roar from the crowd. We now had ten minutes or so to rescue this. Game on!

To be honest, I had watched the majority of the second half through my hands; we had never once been convinved that this was on. The Cove roared as always, and the volume went up after Lolley’s goal. The weary endings to games recently were forgotten and the whole stadium was invigorated. Costa even showed us his long throw, which we’d never seen. Caceres struck one near post, but the keeper was in control, Rhyan Grant had the last chance but it was way over. There were six minutes of stoppage time, but the whistle seemed to go well before that. Sydney FC had been dumped out of this painful tournament at the semi-finals when they could and should have won handsomely tonight.

The final whistle saw most people get up and leave. No booing. No fuss. Just resignation, even a feeling of being duped by the club when they said this was the biggest night in their history. No doubt the club will now try and convince us that we’re a good chance at the top six and try and pull in a crowd to a difficult timeslot on Easter Sunday.

  • We’re never going to score
  • That’s it, we’re off
  • A sad sight
  • The visiting fans buoyant
  • Home time
  • “I can’t believe how shit they were”

We were out of there quick smart, and luckily out of the car park at Moore Park very smoothly, rocking up at home before 11pm, tired and still annoyed.

This was a Sydney FC experience to forget. For all the pontification about how we were going to win this trophy, the football on the field did its talking and we were made to pay for profligacy in the second leg, following a simply inept performance in the first leg in Singapore. The slow-motion attacking, the lack of ideas beyond the midfield, the inability to draw out the opponent and the lack of urgency to get into the penalty area were horrible to see. Memories of those dark days under Corica, a tip of the hat to Macarthur away when we couldn’t beat nine men with a full complement, this was simply not good enough.

With rumours of a contract extension for coach Ufuk Talay and persistent talk of disquiet akin to Steve Bruce’s tenure at Newcastle United, Sunday’s game against free-scoring Newcastle Jets looks like a potential Waterloo. The gritted teeth, bitten fingernails and disconsolation of tonight’s game may put off a lot of people on Sunday, but we’ll be there, clinging to the hope of a finals spot to rescue this awful, awful season for the club. Forza Sydney FC.