The Central Coast Mariners got their Foxtel Y-League season off to the ideal start on Sunday, finishing 3-1 winners against Canberra United at McKellar Park to get off the mark.
Mikey Katsoulis put the Mariners ahead against his former side just 10 minutes in when he was played in behind, and the side pushed for a second as the half wore on.
But it was United who scored through Jordan Host, only for their parity to last mere moments as the game approached the break with Harry McCarthy hitting back to give Nick Montgomery’s side a deserved lead at the break.
Kyle Johnson sealed the deal with a late free-kick in the second half and while pleased with the win, Monty said his side could have been more efficient on the day.
“First and foremost I’m rapt with the win, it’s really good to get three points first up on our biggest road trip of the season,” he said.
“But if we’re being honest it should have been more comfortable, we missed a lot of chances and it’s disappointing we weren’t able to finish them.
The Mariners controlled the game for large parts against United, pressing well and Montgomery was impressed with the work of the forwards through the game.
“Alou Kuol put in a really strong shift with Jordan [Smylie] up front, Montgomery said.
“And after a strong game in the middle of defence, it was great to see a local product like Kyle [Johnson] step up with the free-kick that sealed the game.”
We had a lot of debuts so it was an interesting game, but fair play and credit to Canberra, they certainly made it a contest with the goal just ahead of half-time before we scored again.”
The Mariners turn their attentions now towards a big meeting with Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon at Pluim, and Monty is hoping to see a strong local crowd.
“We’ve got a big challenge coming up at home to Sydney this weekend,” he said.
“It would be great to see some fans out there supporting the boys at Pluim against one of the favourites for the competition.”
Match Details | Foxtel Y-League Round 2
Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC
Saturday, 23rd November – 10:30am kick-off
Pluim Park, Lisarow
