Despite a tight contest, the Central Coast Mariners were edged 2-0 by Sydney FC Youth at Tuggerah on Sunday afternoon.
Central Coast Mariners fans were happy to see the return of new recruit Jonathan Aspropotamitis who made his first competitive start since rupturing his ACL in February as the Mariners Youth welcomed Sydney FC Youth to the Centre of Excellence.
The first twenty minutes of the game saw both sides battle it out for possession and to find a rhythm in the match. The first major chance of the game fell to Sydney FC Youth, but the striker was denied as Joe Gauci did well to prevent Sydney Youth taking the lead.
Great to be back on the park after a while out. Shame about the final score, but the boys will go again next week. Wanted to thank @wswanderersfc and @CCMariners for being fantastic throughout this long process and teammates from both clubs for all your support along the way https://t.co/vnIzANxsHN
— Jonathan Aspro (@jonathanaspro) December 9, 2018
As the half carried on both sides struggled to create any clear-cut chances on goal with both defences standing strong. Charles Lokoli-Ngoy had the best chance of the half with his shot forcing an acrobatic save from Gauci.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with the battle for possession and dominance continuing in the early stages. Sydney FC Youth broke the deadlock after a drilled cross deflected off the legs of a Mariners defender into his own net.
Though the Mariners Youth continued to fight and push for a much-needed equaliser, a counter attack saw Sydney FC Youth double their lead through Marco Tilio.
The Central Coast Youth created several attacking opportunities throughout the late stages of the half but struggled to find an end product. A late red card to Sydney Youth’s Jacob Tratt was not enough for the Mariners Youth to push on as Sydney FC Youth came out eventual winners at the Centre of Excellence.
The Mariners Youth are back at home this Saturday, December 15 hosting Western Sydney Wanderers Youth. Kick-off is 10:30am and entry is FREE.
Central Coast Mariners Youth: 1. Joe GAUCI (GK), 4. Michael GLASSOCK (c), 5. Matthew HATCH, 6. Joshua NISBET, 7. Tom Hiariej (19. Daniel HALL 46’), 8. Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS (3. Lewis MILLER 65’), 11. Peter KEKERIS (12. Rhett DE SILVA 73’), 14. Alec VINCI, 15. Manley BARNETT, 18. Josh MACDONALD
Substitutes not used: 20. Aidan MUNFORD (GK
Sydney FC Youth: 1. Duro DRAGICEVIC (c) (GK), 3. Jacob TRATT, 6. Harry VAN DER SAAG (12. Giuseppe TILIO 77’), 7. Jerry SKOTADIS 8. Samuel McLLLHATTON, 9. Hamish LAMBERTON (10. Marco TILIO 62’), 11. Luke IVANOVIC, 14. Joel KING, 16. Aaron CALVER (4. Liam McGING 71’), 17. Cameron DEVLIN, 19. Charles LOKOLI-NGOY
Substitutes not used: 20. Adam PAVLESIC (GK)
Sunday, 9 December 2018
Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence, Tuggerah
Central Coast Mariners Youth vs. Sydney FC Youth
