More than 30 years after Kevin Keegan's hugely-successful guest stint, and 26 years after they left the national stage, Blacktown City are primed to make the most of their return to the spotlight in Wednesday night's FFA Cup quarter-final against Sydney FC at Edensor Park.
Ten days after claiming their eighth NSW championship, the state's most successful part-time club aren't fazed by the step-up in class against the A-League heavyweights, who are looking to make the FFA Cup semi-finals for the first time.
![Exciting prospect: Danny Seung-Joo Choi in action against Sydney United 58 FC in the round of 32.](/web/20160920181245im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/k/3/v/q/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.grk2ua.png/1474334908155.jpg)
"We're going to have a crack, why not?" says Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden. "This is definitely the biggest game the club has had since the NSL days, there's a real buzz around the place. You only get one chance at this sort of thing, and I've told the boys to make the most of it."
Despite the disappointment of the game being shifted from their compact Lily Homes Stadium at Seven Hills (due to issues surrounding lighting, capacity and line markings), the Demons are still hoping for a 5,000-plus crowd at the home of Sydney United, where they will again have a crucial advantage. Artificial pitches are the norm in the NSW NPL, and while Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold insists he's fine with the change from natural grass there's no doubt the Blacktown City players are more accustomed to the surface.
![Five Demons players will be especially keen to make an impact having being released at various stages of their careers ...](/web/20160920181245im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/k/3/v/u/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.grk2ua.png/1474334908155.jpg)
With skipper Zach Cairncross having recovered from the bruised hip which forced him off the field during the first half of the recent grand final against Sydney United, the Demons will be at full-strength - but there will be a change in tactics. Crittenden crowded the midfield and relied on the counter-attack in the NSW grand final, but is planning to play more of the game in the opposition half against the Sky Blues. "There was a reason we played the way we did against Sydney United, but this time we'll be much more on the front foot," he says.
Five Demons players - Cairncross, Giorgio Speranza, Nenad Vekic, Joey Gibbs and Mitch Mallia - will be especially keen to make an impact having being released at various stages of their careers by Sydney FC. "Deep down they may feel they have a point to prove, although no one's mentioned it," says Crittenden.
Depending on the result, the match could also mark a farewell appearance for exciting winger Danny Choi, who has agreed terms to join A-League champions Adelaide United.
Whatever the outcome, the high-profile occasion offers a rare chance for the Demons to showcase their proud history and their achievements - 21 former players have gone on to play for Australia, including current Socceroos Mat Ryan and Mark Milligan. With plans to forge new partnerships with overseas clubs, and to upgrade their stadium, Blacktown City are also prime candidates to be included in a much-discussed national second division.
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