Blacktown City hero Joey Gibbs rated his side’s display as “10 out of 10” after they knocked off Central Coast Mariners in the Round of 32 on Wednesday night at Lily Homes Stadium.
AS IT HAPPENED: Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32: MD3
Gibbs was the hero scoring the opener and the winner on a fabulous night for the western Sydney based club.
SENSATIONAL START
Blacktown began in sensational fashion, going 2-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes.
Gibbs with a classy, curling free kick before attacking full back Giorgio Speranza smashed home a sensational effort to have the home fans dreaming of a "Cup-set".
It was the first time an NPL club lead an A-League club by two goals in the FFA Cup.
The Mariners hit back to level it with goals either side of the break but Gibbs with a super finish eight minutes from full time capped a fairytale night for City.
“It was a 10 out of 10 performance,” he told Fox Sports afterwards.
“We talk about it all the time us NPL boys. We want to test ourselves and sometimes we’re starved for opportunity.
“It’s great to get the opportunity and prevail. So it’s a great feeling.”
SWEET WIN FOR LEWIS
Captain Matt Lewis was speechless after the giant-killing win.
“I’m lost for words. It’s so good.”
Lewis, a former Mariner, said it did feel that much sweeter to win against his one-time employers.
“There aren’t many of the boys that I played with but 100% it feels so good.
“We only had one chance in the second half and he’s buried it. Super work by Joey, and super work by all the boys. Just to hold out at the end there.
“We’ll see who we get next.”
Lewis added after so many home games he’s praying for a trip away in the Round of 16. We’ll find out who City face at the conclusion of the Round of 32 next week August 9.
