NPL NSW grand final: Blacktown City’s Travis Major stars against Manly United, photos, result

This loyal footballer has just been part of his fifth NPL NSW grand final win for his club – and scored a few milestones and magic moments along the way. Grand final wrap, great photos.

He was the most experienced player on the field and part of four previous NPL winning sides and Travis Major lived up to the hype, producing one of his most memorable performances yet to help Blacktown City to the NPL NSW grand final over Manly United on the weekend.

Not only did the veteran from Sydney’s west score the final goal of the match in the 83rd minute, it was also his 100th for the famous football club.

It also earned Major the Robbie Slater Man of the Match honours.

“I don’t think it was a great game to watch but it was exciting and Manly took it to us in the second half big time and we were resilient,“ said Blacktown city coach Mark Crittenden.

Great celebrations after the Blacktown City v Manly United decider. Pic: Football NSW

It was sweet revenge for Blacktown City who lost the minor premiership to Manly United in their final game of the regular season.

Blacktown City put first points on the board in the 32nd minute when Major sent a ball to Lachlan Campbell who scored for Blacktown City.

Blacktown City celebrations. Pic: Nielsen Images

Manly United came close to equalising on a number of occasions before Major put the game away with his late goal.

Manly players prior to the match. Pic: Football NSW.

No happier team in Sydney on Saturday than Blacktown City.

WHAT TRAVIS MAJOR DOESN’T WANT TO DO AGAIN IN FOOTBALL

EARLIER: Travis Major has played a lot of football over the years since he chose the game over a potential career in tennis.

The loyal Blacktown City FC player has plied his trade in numerous overseas leagues including the I-League in India – and been part of an extraordinary four previous NRL grand final campaigns with his famous western Sydney club.

But in all that time he has never done one thing and hopes to never do it again – be involved in a penalty shootout.

“It’s horrible,” he said after Blacktown booked its grand final spot against Manly United with their defeat of Sydney Olympic FC in a 5-4 penalty shootout on Sunday.

“It’s easier to take one than watch your mates do it.

RISING FOOTBALL STAR DREAMING BIG

Blacktown City FC veteran Travis Major is an experienced hand at grand final football. Pic: Damian Briggs/Speedmedia

“But if we have to do it again we are ready. Our goalie is fantastic. he knows how to read people so well.’’

Blacktown goalie Dylan Niski making two brilliant saves to deny Sydney Olympic a place in the season decider.

A former NPL NSW Player of the Year, Major moved to Blacktown City from the Parramatta Eagles as a teenager.

“I have been at Blacktown City since, or been playing overseas’’ said the 32-year-old who grew up in western Sydney at Greystanes.

“It’s not very common, being with the same club, for me I pride myself on that. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.’’

Major is a loyal member of the Blacktown City club. Pic: Jeremy Ng/Football NSW.

Major returned to his club eight weeks ago to help Bankstown City into the grand final after playing on their winning sides in 2010, 2014 and 2016 and in their runners-up side in 2015.

“I’d like to think I’m a bit of lucky charm. That’s what I tell them anyway,’’ he said.

Major expects an entertaining and close match with Manly United on Saturday at CommBank Stadium.

“It’s not a bitter rivalry because there’s no deep history but it will be a hard-fought game,” he said. “They are a hardworking bunch of boys and we are similar.

“It will be physical, all the defenders like to put their bodies on the line, but there’s no ill will or malice.

“We beat them 6-1 and then 3-1 and then in the semi they beat us 2-1 in extra time. But we all know finals are brand new ball game.’’

2022 NPL NSW MEN’S GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE

Saturday at CommBank Stadium

Manly United v Blacktown City, 6pm kick-off

Sydney FC v Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the U20’s, 2:30pm