Blacktown City FC beat Sydney United in NSW Premier League decider

FFA Cup contenders. A midfielder who slotted a 70m goal. Premier League heavyweights.

Blacktown FC’s Danny Choi celebrates his second goal with teammates in the NSW Premier League grand final. Pictures: Craig Wilson

FFA Cup contenders. A midfielder who slotted a 70m goal. Premier League heavyweights.

Blacktown City’s year has been peppered with milestones. On Sunday, their role as a football powerhouse was elevated when they defeated Sydney United to claim the NSW Premier League championship title at Leichhardt Oval.

The grand final victory was their second in three seasons and erased the pain of losing to Bonnyrigg White Eagles in last year’s decider.

Blacktown City vie for the ball in the decider.

Despite coming second in the competition, Blacktown City pipped premiers Sydney United for the championships title.

Blacktown midfielder Danny Choi — who shot a 70m goal in the round of 32 FFA Cup match against Sydney United in July — was back to inflict more pain on the Edensor Park-based team.

Danny Choi was in characteristic fine form.

He struck in the 40th minute then with four minutes left on the clock. Patrick Antelmi’s goal was another late one, in the 72nd minute — a reflection of the relentless defence.

Despite City trailing Sydney United by nine points on the ladder ahead of the grand final, Choi said the team felt confident going into the match.

Blacktown captain Zach Cairncross battled a back injury for much of the first half, but that didn’t stop City winning.

Blacktown City celebrate after a 3-0 win.

Blacktown coach Mark Crittenden praised his team for an “incredible season”.

Originally from South Korea, Choi is now close to attaining his Australian citizenship after spending almost nine years in the country.

“It’s a very exciting time,” the 21 year old said.

The star has high aspirations.

“First of all I want to play at professional level, either in Australia, in Europe or anywhere. If I make that I hopefully want to play for the Socceroos one day.’’

The grand final ended Sydney United’s hopes of winning a historic treble of premiership, championship and Waratah Cup titles.

Blacktown City take on Sydney FC in the FFA Cup quarter finals on September 21 at Sydney United Sports Centre at Edensor Park.