Second half blitz sees Sydney FC dismantle Mariners
Sydney FC took care of the Central Coast Mariners in devastating fashion defeating the Central Coast Mariners 4-1 at the Ilinden Sports Centre on Friday night.
The Sky Blues turned the game quickly after the break to earn three points. Marin France equalized in the 54th minute then an own goal and a well taken goal from Tiago Quintal completed the turnaround. They added a fourth with another own goal in stoppage time in a dominant performance.
Central Coast Mariners will be disappointed not to go on with the game after taking the lead in the first half. Luka Smyth slotted home the penalty in the 33rd minute to make it 1-0 before they were pegged back while keeper Jack Warshawsky did save a spot kick to keep them in the game.
Both Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners walked onto the pitch at Ilinden Sports Centre hungry to take three points on Friday night.
The Mariners buoyed by their win on the weekend had the brighter start. Luka Smyth strode through and shot right at Sydney FC keeper Adam Pavlesic.
They had another chance to open the scoring. Smyth combined well with Donatien Niyonkuru with the latter shooting straight.
Sydney FC started to find their rhythm in this contest. Marin France cut inside his defender well and bent an effort right at Mariners keeper Jack Warshawsky.
The Sky Blues pushed forward again and tested Warshawsky twice. First it was Tiago Quintal who had his effort deflected then France’s header was tipped over the bar.
Central Coast Mariners had the chance to open the scoring from the spot. Niyonkuru was fouled in the box and Smyth stepped up to thump it home for 1-0 in the 33rd minute.
Niyonkuru was a nuisance for the Sky Blues defence in the first half. He looped forward and cut inside but curled his effort wide.
Sydney FC had a late chance to equalize through Quintal. He ran into the box and fired a shot which Warshawsky held well.
The Sky Blues had the first opportunity after the break. The ball broke to Harry Callaghan who shot straight at Warshawsky.
The hosts kept pushing from the restart. Jacon Brazete dug the ball out well in the box and hit the side netting.
Sydney FC found the goal their quick start had justified. Brazete threaded the ball through to France who found the left corner for 1-1 in the 54th minute.
The Sky Blues completed the turnaround in the 67th minute. Quintal beat several defenders and his cross was turned home by a Mariners defender for 2-1.
Like buses, Sydney waited for a goal and had a third in the 69th minute. Brazete forced Warshawsky into a save then Quintal turned it home for 3-1.
Quintal had the ball on a string as he ran at Mariners defenders. His shot deflected to substitute Sam Lancaster who shot right at Warshawsky.
Sydney FC were given a spot kick after substitute Ayouk Mow was fouled in the box. He brushed himself off and steamed in to take it but was denied superbly by Warshawsky.
There was a pair of late chances for the Mariners. Lucas Scicluna unfurled both shots which were dealt with well by Pavlesic.
Sydney FC did add a fourth late in the game. Mow glided into the box and his cross was turned home by Mariners defender Michael Paragali for 4-1 in the 91st minute.
Post-match Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren reflected on the comeback win for his side and the character they showed.
“I think it was a fair result, we were the dominant team especially in the second half. They showed good character after going into half-time down and playing 180 minutes in the last three days. They were resilient and the front three were fantastic, dangerous players who get on the ball.” said Van Weeren.
While Central Coast Mariners coach Lucas Vilela reflected on the loss for the yellow-and-navy after taking the lead.
“We switched off in the second half and Sydney FC kept on the front foot and found the back of the net.
“There were some wrong decisions after half-time and we move on, learn from this because the boys work hard.
“We will keep developing them and move forward into the next match.” said Vilela.
Match Stats
Sydney FC 4 (France ’54, Parkes own goal ’67, Quintal ‘69, Paragali own goal 92′)
Central Coast Mariners FC 1 (Smyth ’33)
Friday 8 March 2024
Ilinden Sports Centre
Referee: Brodie Merchant
Assistant Referees: Hayden Michlmayr & Charbel Geha
Fourth Official: Ethan Zvargulis
Sydney FC: 3. Tyler Williams, 4. Joseph Calusic, 5. Meliwethu Nkomo, 6. Dylan Rose (32. Samue Lancaster ’62), 8. Lachlan Middleton, 9. Bailey Callaghan, 10. Tiago Quintal (7. Nicholas Alfaro 85), 11. Marin France (33. Matias Macallister ’85), 13. Jacob Brazete (17. Ayouk Mow ’71), 20. Adam Pavlesic, 21. Zachary De Jesus (2. Noah Mathie ’45)
Unused subs: 40. Alexander Zaverdinos
Yellow cards: Williams ’56 Calusic ‘87
Red cards: nil
Central Coast Mariners FC: 1. Jack Warshawsky, 2. Michael Paragalli, 3. Cher Deng, 4. Andre Parkes (33. Alexander Gountunas ’70), 5. Harry Menham (24. Prayaag Thapa ’91), 7. Matej Busek (6. Jordan Small ’62), 8. Lucas Scicluna, 10. Luka Smyth, 11. Donatien Niyonkuru, 12. Taye Hedley (39. Adam Hall ’45), 37. Bailey Brantmann (22. Ben Mewett ’62)
Unused subs: 40. Dylan Peraic-Cullen
Yellow cards: Parkes ’11 Deng ‘44
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings
3: Tiago Quintal (SFC)
2: Marin France (SFC)
1: Donatien Niyonkuru (CCM)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
