Mariners clinch maiden NPL NSW Men’s win against NWS Spirit FC

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Central Coast Mariners secured an inaugural 1-0 win in the National Premier League NSW Men’s competition over the NWS Spirit FC on a balmy Saturday afternoon at Christie Park.

A Lachlan Bayliss goal right before half time was enough for the visitors to claim the spoils, despite having to withstand a fierce Spirit onslaught in the second half.

The home side started on the front foot with joy coming down the left side, however they were struggling to find an outlet up front with a diving header from Matthew Cahill on ten minutes the exception.

Central Coast Mariners were having no such problems though and they had their first chance soon after.

Bailey Brandtman with a shot on the angle saved by Spirit keeper Christopher Marques before the ball was cleared away.

Indeed, Abbas Saad’s young side were gaining confidence and Jordan Segreto tested Marques again with a curling effort from outside the box on 17 minutes – as William Arnold failed to capitalize on the follow up.

Despite the visitors looking comfortable handling their hosts transition, the Spirit’s best chance came on 27 minutes, Cahill playing Richard Darko on the right who cut it across for Michel Konestabo who couldn’t get it past a desperate Mariners defence.

The young Mariners were on top though and they had numerous chances in the final 15 minutes as Jordan Segreto forced Marques into yet another diving save.

Lachlan Bayliss nearly opened the scoring spectacularly from range. The Mainers forcing a ball loose before Bayliss spotted Marques off his line. Marques retreating just in time to spectacularly take it round the post on 39 minutes.

Bayliss wasn’t to be denied with his next chance though. George Daniel sliding him through, his first effort saved before he got a decisive touch scrambling it home in the final minute of regulation.

Like the first half, Spirit came out well from the break, however they couldn’t capitalize on a few early half chances from Cahill and Luiz Lobo.

Their best chance falling to Jordan Gomez who couldn’t quite finish despite having plenty of time on the edge of the area. Joshua Hong getting a crucial head to it inside 65 minutes.

Indeed, it was Spirit who were now creating the chances, a quick freekick eventually seeing the ball to Blake Ilitch who nearly found the target with a blistering effort from right back. Jared Lum was next up with another long range shot that sailed over the bar on 77 minutes.

The young Mariners battled till the end and rejoiced when the full-time whistle defeating NWS Spirit FC in what is always a tricky place to grab three points.

Not only was it a first victory in the NPL NSW Men’s competition for the Central Coast Mariners, but it was also a first for new coach Abbas Saad who celebrated his first win as their head-coach since joining a week ago.

“That was a fantastic effort from the boys, everyone rose to the occasion and we played some great football today.

“You need heart to get results, the boys are starting to get it and we were brave in playing our game today.

“We need to be better finishing our chances, once we do that, we’ll start winning matches more often.”

NWS Spirit FC coach David Perkovic rued his sides missed chances.

“I thought we dominated the early period of the game, unfortunately that didn’t result in a goal and to the Mariners credit they turned the game after the drinks break.

“The second half was an improvement – it just wasn’t our night in front of goal.”

Central Coast Mariners will face fellow academy side Sydney FC next weekend, while Spirit face a trip to Popendetta Park where they’ll be taking on the Mt Druitt Town Rangers.

Match Stats

NWS Spirit FC 0

Central Coast Mariners FC 1 (Lachlan Bayliss 45’)

Saturday 4 March, 2023

Christie Park, Macquarie Park

Referee: Sebastian Andrews

Assistant Referees: Jake Rose and Alexis Johnson

Fourth Official: Daniel Drewitt

NWS Spirit FC: 1. Christopher Marques (GK), 3. Musashi Kokubo, 4. Kota Odakura, 5. Jordan Gomez (10. Louis Bozanic 66’), 7. Richard Darko (21. Luiz Lobo 54’) , 11. Ollie Wiggin, 13. Simon Nicholas, 14. George Kriezis (2. Blake Ilitch 54’), 17. Matthew Cahill (9. Mitch Davidson 76’), 20. Jared Lum, 23. Michael Konestabo (19. Dominic Johns 76’)

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Jacob Madden (GK)

Yellow Cards: Kriezis, Marques, Johns

Red Cards: Nil 

Central Coast Mariners FC: 30. Patrick Beach (GK), 3. Cameron Windust (c), 4. Dean Larson, 6. James Bayliss, 7. Gianni Di Pizio (18. Max Middleby 63’), 8. Lachlan Bayliss, 11. Bailey Brandtman (9. Zachariah Waddell 84’),15. Jordan Segreto, 16. William Arnold, 17. George Daniel, 22. Zac Zorocich

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Alexander Parkes, 2. Ben Dunbar, 5. Jacob Tresoglavic, 10. Miguel Di Pizio,

Yellow Cards: Zorocich, Hong, James Bayliss, Di Pizio

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings:

3 – Lachlan Bayliss (CCM)

2 – Zac Zorocich (CCM)

1 – Christopher Marques (NWS)

By Justin Smith (@smiththejustin)