The 1st Grade Academy boys were able to secure a comfortable 3-1 win over Blacktown Spartans, as they extended their unbeaten run to 30 games.
The boys were off to a quick start, as they created several chances early on without being able to challenge the Blacktown keeper. Angus Muddle had a shot from just outside the box, but he rushed his effort and thus dragged it wide of the post. Blacktown had a chance of their own, as Bangura got in behind and fired across goal, with Baylis getting down well to make the save.
Ethan Debono was soon able to open the scoring, thanks to an incisive pass from Christian Bracco. Bracco was able to split the entire Blacktown defence with a brilliant pass, finding Debono who lashed his shot into the near post, giving the boys a 1-0 lead at the 39th minute. Just minutes later, Bracco was almost able to grab a second assist, as he skinned his defender before lifting a ball in behind to Janni Rafty, who was beaten to the ball by the Blacktown keeper, Biega. Half-time soon came, with the boys taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Just minutes after half time, Xavier Bertoncello was able to grab a second goal for the Jets. Having chased down an over-hit cross by Rafty, Ethan Debono played the ball to Kierry James before darting behind the defence. Once he received the ball, he laid off a simple pass to the open Bertoncello, who smashed the ball into the net from close range. 2-0 to the Jets just three minutes into the second half.
Bertoncello almost added a third minutes later. Buettner sent Rafty down the line, who found Xavier at the near post. Xavier struck his shot first-time but it was blocked out for a corner. Xavier Bertoncello was soon taken off for Lucas Johnson, after an impressive 60 minutes in which he scored his second goal in as many games.
There was another almost-goal for the boys, as Lucas Johnson flicked a ball over the defence to Janni Rafty, who slotted it through the keepers legs. Unfortunately, the assistant referee had raised the flag for offside, with the score remaining 2-0 for the time being. Garang Arou was taken off for Jackson Chambers.
Substitute Lucas Johnson was finally able to grab a third for the Jets in the 80th minute. Johnson burst down the left wing, outrunning his man before chipping the ball over Blacktowns keeper, leaving him stranded as he found the top corner from a tight angle. After the goal, Angus Muddle, Janni Rafty and Ethan Debono were all substituted off Will Southcombe, Luca West and Murray Peart.
Blacktown were able to grab a consolation goal at the end of injury time, with the full-time score finishing at 3-1. Another win meaning our Academy 1st grade side has extended their unbeaten streak to an astonishing 30 games.
Earlier in the day, the U20s also won against Blacktown Spartans, beating them 2-1 as they open their season with back to back wins.
