Mariners and Sydney FC settle for draw in ‘Battle of the Academies’
It was points-a-piece in the ‘Battle of the Academies’ at Pluim Park, with the Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC playing out a 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon.
After a scoreless first half, a costly turnover at the back from the Mariners handed Sydney FC first blood through birthday boy Tiago Quintal, before an incredible volley strike from Parker Williams ensured the sharing of the points.
Both outfits shared possession through the fixtures’ opening stages, happy to play keep ball, while also unafraid to chance their arm.
Sydney FC had a few chances early, though Central Coast’s backline, including multiple saves from Jack Warshawsky, held firm to deny the visitors first blood.
Sydney’s Mattias Macallister looked certain to draw the opener with some shifty footwork, though Warshawsky came up trumps once more with a point-blank save.
The Mariners’ attack looked promising heading into the half, though came unstuck at the final hurdle, with no clear-cut chances meaning the academy sides were unable to break the 0-0 deadlock in the first stanza.
The hosts’ expansive interplay between Harry Menham, Taye Hedley, and Luka Smyth drew the second half’s first real chance, with Smyth’s strike blocked well.
After 59 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken through 18th birthday boy Tiago Quintal.
Mariner Cher Deng elected to play-on quickly just outside the penalty area, too quickly it was as Quintal intercepted the loose ball on his way to goal.
Central Coast were presented their most promising chance in the 67th minute.
A turnover at the back put Donatien Niyonkuru into space, where his cross found the racing head of Smyth, who was denied by Alex Zaverdinos at point blank.
Their persistence to not roll over while being dominated in their half eventually paid off, securing the equaliser in the 84th minute.
A corner cross pinballed its way between players, before finding Parker Williams’ boot on the volley to rocket it home, his first of the season.
There were hearts in mouth at Pluim Park minutes before full time, with Sydney FC going extremely close to snatching victory. Pearson Kasawaya’s cross took a deflection from Sasha Kuzevski and headed for goal before Bailey Callaghan’s incoming strike went skyward.
An exhilarating final minute’s went back-and-forth with the each having their share of chances, though the winning goal couldn’t be converted, leaving the score 1-1 at full time.
Confidence was high coming into today’s match after their victory last match against fellow academy Western Sydney Wanderers.
Following today’s 1-1 draw with Sydney, Lucas Vilela is still happy to take away points in his side’s last two matches, though mistakes continue to cost the Mariners as they fight to avoid relegation.
“The boys fought hard today, they stuck to the game plan, created chances, and fought their way back to secure a point. Mistakes however are costing us,” said Vilela.
“The short turnaround meant the boys confidence was fresh and could stay motivated. Unfortunately, today we didn’t get the result we wanted but we’re going to be celebrating this point at seasons’ end.”
Mistakes hurt, but no we go away to face Manly and hope to surprise them.”
Match Stats
Central Coast Mariners 1 (P. Williams 84’)
Sydney FC 1 (T. Quintal 59’)
Sunday, 16th June 2024
Pluim Park, Lisarow
Referee: Michael Weiner
Assistant Referees: Amirhossein Hosnani and Alexis Johnson
Fourth Official: Mitchell Renton
Central Coast Mariners: 1. Jack Warshawsky (GK), 2. Michael Paragalli (27. Sasha Kuzevski 62’), 3. Cher Deng, 5. Harry Menham, 6. Jordan Small, 8. Lucas Scicluna, 10. Luka Smyth, 11. Donatien Niyonkuru, 12. Taye Hedley (33. Arthur De Lima 62’), 34. Parker Williams, 37. Bailey Brandtman (9. Nicholas Duarte 71’)
Unused Subs: 4. Andre Parkes, 30 Daniel Vickers, 36. Prayaag Thapa
Yellow Cards: 34. Parker Williams 38’, 8. Lucas Scicluna 52’, 37. Bailey Brandtman 70’
Red Cards:
Sydney FC: 40. Alex Zaverdinos (GK), 3. Tyler Williams, 4 Joseph Calusic, 7 Oscar Fryer (17. Ayouk Mow, 77’), 8 Lachlan Middleton, 10. Tiago Quintal, 13 Jacob Brazete (16. Pearson Kasawaya 57’), 22 Will Kennedy, 24 Wataru Kamijo (6. Dylan Rose 63’), 33. Mattias Macallister (9. Bailey Callaghan 77’), 34. Blake Bolwell
Unused Subs: 2. Noah Mathie, 30. Masom Harting
Yellow Cards: 17. Ayouk Mow 80’
Red Cards:
Player Ratings:
3: Tiago Quintal (SFC)
2: Jordan Small (CCM)
1: Mattias Macallister (SFC)
By Mitchell Roese (@mitchroese on Instagram)
