Picture by Gavin Leung/courtesy of Football NSW
Blacktown City clung on to victory against a fast finishing Sydney United 58 to kick off their 2014 PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 campaign with a 3-2 win at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday.
An incredible first half hat trick from Mitch Malia provided the platform for the home side as they started their championship defence on the right foot.
Both sides went on the offensive early, determined to leave their mark from the opening whistle.
It didn’t take long for the first opportunity of the match when Sydney United 58’s Robert Mileski headed wide from Nick Stavroulakis’ inch perfect cross.
United were unlucky not to take the lead in the 16th minute when Anthony Proia hit the back of the net. Assistant referee James Tesoriero’s offside flag quickly quelled the celebrations.
The disallowed goal took the wind out of United and Blacktown City took advantage of their opposition’s lapse in intensity.
Electric winger Mallia broke free of his marker in the 14th minute before unleashing a stinging shot which beat United keeper Justin Pasfield and gave the home side a 1-0 lead.
The goal put the momentum well and truly on Blacktown City’s side and they doubled their lead in the 27th minute.
Once again it was Mallia who used his pace to full effect before beating Pasfield one on one in the box to make the score 2-0 to City.
Despite the deficit, Sydney United refused to back down and began a fightback in the 33rd minute.
Central defender Theo Kofinas blasted his shot home after some scrappy lead up play to make the score 2-1.
Only moments later the game was deadlocked when a curling Stejpan Paric corner sailed untouched into the top of the net for a 2-2 scoreline.
With time ticking down before the half time whistle, Blacktown City star Malia wrapped up a superb individual first half performance in style.
His curling free kick from the edge of the box beat Pasfield to cement a hat trick and give Blacktown City a 3-2 lead going into the break.
Although disappointed with the loss, Sydney United 58 coach Mark Rudan was confident it was only a minor blip in his side’s premiership campaign.
“It’s only round one. There is still a long way to go,” he said.
“We were the best side on the field in the second half and were unlucky not to at least take home a point.
“We will go back to training on Tuesday and regroup ready for round two.”
