Blacktown win points in shock result against Bankstown

Saturday night was a night to remember for Mark Crittenden's side from Blacktown. Heading into the game Bankstown were sitting comfortably, fourth on the ladder after two wins, one draw and a loss. At the other end of the table Blacktown City occupied 11th spot having lost three and drawn one in their opening four matches.

The 300 strong crowd who made the trip to Jensen Park were gifted a show of brilliance by Blacktown City and a night to forget for Bankstown supporters.

Mark Crittenden fielded a 4-4-1-1 shape which saw more strong performances by Mitchell Duke, Zac Cairncross and Adam Jenner as well as a more advanced and unfamiliar role in a right wing position for Travis Major. Blagoja Kuleski has been criticised in recent weeks for setting his Bankstown side out in a 5-4-1 formation with Fred Graham playing the lone striker role.

The pace of Travis Major and Adam Jenner down the right flank was too much for Bankstown's left back Daniel Slaveski who was caught out of position on numerous occasions. Travis Major capitalised on this, levelling the scoring after an opening goal by A.Hadid for Bankstown.

Just before half time Mitchell Long pounced on a loose ball and put away Blacktown's second of the evening.

The second half saw more fancy footwork by Blacktown's youth, keen to impress Newcastle Jets coach Branko Culina who was watching from the stands.

A name which continues to pop up in discussion is Travis Major. He was awarded a free kick closer to the corner flag than the penalty spot. A low, hard strike skidded past everyone and managed to find the back of the net. Major's second of the night and the killer third goal for Blacktown.

That was to be the end of the action in the game, Blacktown winning their first match in five outings and Bankstown's supporters continue to mumble abuse toward their coach.

Mark Crittenden was over the moon with the result, gleefully praising the result and stand out performances.

"Very happy. Its been a long time coming. Five weeks into the league and I couldn't be happier with the boys. They worked hard, knuckled down and we knew that eventually things would go our way. The work rate was brilliant today.

"[Travis] Major, [Mitchell] Duke, [Mitch] Long and [Adam] Jenner all were outstanding tonight. We had the opportunity to use our pace, and we really wanted to have a good go at them across the back. There was some fantastic linking play between Major and Jenner down the right side today"

Bankstown's dressing room was not so happy, with players walking out due to frustration and disappointment in their football. Their coach Blagoja Kuleski knew the match was always going to be tough.

"I'm not happy, maybe not expect a win, but I expect a hard game because Blacktown are a very hard side. Very difficult to play against them.

"First half was fantastic, second half we make a number of holes. They were a better side and they had luck on their side.

"I expected some mistakes because the team is still new, almost all super league players without premier league experience. In time we might be playing better. Good result to Blacktown though."

Blacktown City 3 (T.Major, M.Long, T.Major) def Bankstown City 1 (A.Hadid)