Jets Ousted From PS4NPL Finals Series
Words: Matt Dorman
Image supplied by FFA
Moreton Bay United have fallen narrowly short of reaching the PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues Grand Final in a 2-1 defeat to Blacktown City on Saturday night.
Stephen Green cut the deficit in a fighting second-half but the western Sydney side’s two-goal buffer proved enough at Lilys Football Stadium.
Defeat means Jets’ double-winning season concludes with two PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland trophies and a debut national win in last week’s Elimination Final.
After Royce Brownlie fired the first warning shot, Sasa Macura wasted a good chance for the hosts by thumping the upright from inside the area.
Blacktown did secure the lead in the 15th minute, though, when Mitchell Mallia got away from Scott Stewart down the left and squared for former Central Coast Mariners striker Travis Major to tap home.
Mallia was involved in doubling the advantage on the half hour as a left-sided cross deflected off Jets defender Alex Henderson and crept inside Luke Borean’s near post.
The PlayStation 4 NPL New South Wales Premiers looked the more assured side in cold and wet conditions and carried their 2-0 lead to the break.
Having earlier replaced Jayke Cuschieri with Matthew Zappone, Jets coach Adam Piddick made another move at half-time by introducing Grand Final hero Jordan Farina.
Farina’s arrival coincided with a sustained period of pressure from the away side with a series of free-kicks signalling their intent.
It was from a set-piece that Green was able to halve the deficit as he instinctively rifled into the top corner after Farina was unable to clear the wall.
The midfielder’s 54th minute strike left plenty of time for more drama.
Jets suddenly looked the more likely with Blacktown ‘keeper Nenad Vekic required to rush out and clear ahead of Charles Mendy, while the home defence survived another threatening free-kick.
Blacktown responded with a trio of half-chances, including a Jonathan Grozdanovski shot across the face, as they attempted to restore the two-goal lead.
Piddick pushed further numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but a skied stoppage time free-kick from Farina ultimately spelled the end of Jets’ fairytale campaign.
Blacktown City FC 2 (Travis MAJOR 15’ Own Goal 30’)
Moreton Bay United FC 1 (Stephen GREEN 54’)
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