Sydney FC striker Blake Powell opened his A-League goalscoring account with a late strike against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium on Saturday but understands the need to stay grounded to continue to get his opportunities in the first team.
Sydney FC striker Blake Powell opened his A-League goalscoring account with a late strike against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium on Saturday but understands the need to stay grounded to continue to get his opportunities in the first team.
The 21-year-old struck with a neat far post header after making his debut in a Sky Blue shirt as a second half substitute in front of the 35,419 crowd.
Powell, who is in his first year as a professional after spending two seasons in the Sydney FC youth team, was overjoyed to score his debut goal but also realised there was still a long road ahead.
“It was an incredible experience,” Powell said. “Just being in the squad was amazing, then to get onto the field was awesome and then to top it off with a goal made it a very special day.
“I had a target at the start of the season to work as hard as I could and try to get onto the bench for a few games and if I got a chance I was determined to make the most of it and hopefully get a goal. I guess that means I-ve met those goals but I know I still have a lot of hard work ahead of me.
“Training every day has been good for me and I have been learning so much from the likes of Alessandro and Brett Emerton and the coaching staff has been fantastic.
“I want to make sure that I keep working hard and if the opportunity comes along again, whether that-s on Saturday or in a few weeks, then I-ll give it everything I-ve got.”
Powell could get another opportunity off the bench this Saturday when Sydney FC faces Western Sydney Wanderers in the first ever Sydney Derby at Parramatta Stadium in what is already a sell out.
Joel Chianese is not expected to be fit to return to action, although Panamanian international Yairo Yau will be back on deck after two World Cup Qualifiers during the week.
A special atmosphere is guaranteed at Parramatta Stadium with the 20,000 crowd expected to contain half Sydney FC supporters and half Wanderers fans in what will be a great occasion, something not lost on Powell.
“The atmosphere will be great on Saturday and I-d love to be involved, who wouldn-t,” Powell said. “We had 35,000 at home last weekend and that was amazing so another good crowd will be great.
“I hope to play but the most important thing is the three points.”
Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Parramatta Stadium
Saturday 20 October
7.45pm kick off
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Purchase your 2012/13 Sydney FC Membership or call (02) 8314 5100.
