Left boot of Maya blasts Stallions to victory over Mariners
Marconi Stallions continue to close the NPL Mens NSW Premiership gap on Rockdale Illinden, galloping to a sturdy 1-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
While Central Coast came close to scoring on numerous attempts, the Stallions held firm as Franco Maya netted an incredible strike from range late in the first half, proving the difference as the visitor’s took home the three points in round 23.
In the 5th minute, Mariner Taye Hedley came millimetres from handing the hosts a dream start off the volley.
Bailey Brandtman left his feet for an ambitious bicycle-kick attempt, before Hedley’s strike rifled off the crossbar while taking a healthy chunk of the right upright too.
Marconi enjoyed possession inside their opposition’s half, however the Mariners defensive line held firm to deter any half chances.
Mariners Jordan Small, Lucas Scicluna and Brandtman all had close chances for the opener inside the half hour which were forced just wide, before some brilliance handed the visitors the first.
A wonder-strike from Stallion Franco Maya broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. The forward pressed into opposition territory before firing from range, beating the outstretched Dylan Peraic-Cullen and into goal.
The strike would be the difference heading into the sheds with Marconi taking a slender goal advantage through the first stanza.
Arthur De Lima chanced his arm just outside of the break with a powerful strike just beyond the penalty area. James Hilton got his glove to it and pushed it narrowly over the bar.
Both sides pressed with authority though the Central Coast looked the more likely to strike even as they threatened Marconi for a result.
Marconi was happy to play keep ball in shedding the clock, while the Mariners threw everything at the Stallions in the final stages of the match.
A cry for a penalty inside the box in the 90th minute to Central Coast was waved away by Karl Davies, with a goalless second half seeing Marconi come away 1-0 victors.
Despite the loss and fears of relegation, Mariners’ Lucas Vilela reflected on a dominant performance from his men in search of results, highlighting the gradual improvement in not just performance, but character of his men.
“It was a very good performance and I felt we dominated most of the action.
Our boys were trying to get a result and that made me really proud of them”, said Vilela.
“We’re building something big for the future that we sometimes can’t see in the present but we’ll continue to believe and as a coach seeing the boys fighting for a result is what pleases me most.
“(Marconi) a couple of weeks ago scored nine goals against the top team so I think that says a lot about how the boys are performing and who we are as a club.”
Match Stats
Central Coast Mariners 0
Marconi Stallions 1 (Maya 42’)
Sunday 7th June 2024
Pluim Park, Lisarow
Referee: Karl Davies
Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki & Arinath Gobinath
Fourth Official: Thomas Dale
Central Coast Mariners: 40. Dylan Peraic-Cullen, 2. Michael Paragalli, 3. Cher Deng, 4. Parker Williams, 5. Harry Menham, 6. Jordan Small, 7. Arthur De Lima, 8. Lucas Scicluna (C), 11. Donatien Niyonkuru (17. Jai Rose 56’), 12. Taye Hedley (9. Nicholas Duarte 56’), 37. Bailey Brandtman (10. Luka Smyth 85’)
Unused Subs: 14. Dylan Tresogloavic, 22. Rocco Smith, 30 Daniel Vickers (GK)
Yellow Cards: Jai Rose 76’
Red Cards:
Marconi Stallions: 1. James Hilton (GK), 3. Cameron Windust, 4. Anton Mlinaric (2. Nathan Millgate 81’), 5. James Bayliss, 6. Domenic Costanzo, 7. Franco Maya, 8. Daniel Bouman (34. Julian Monge), 10. Marko Jesic (C) (19. Kyle Cimenti 81’), 16. Liam Youlley, 20. Yuki Kitano, 23. Brandon Vella
Unused Subs:, 14. Dylan Susovic, 17. Milislav Popovic, 40. Patrick Williams
Yellow Cards: James Bayliss 55’, Nathan Millgate 90+1’
Red Cards:
Player Ratings:
3: Franco Maya (MS)
2: Domenic Costanzo (MS)
1: Jordan Small (CCM)
By Mitchell Roese (mitchroese on Instagram)
