Mariners prove too strong for Bulls to reclaim their NPL Men’s NSW status
The Central Coast Mariners have secured their NPL Men’s NSW status for another season defeating Bulls FC Academy 4-0 in the second leg that took place at Pluim Park on Friday, running out 5-2 aggregate winners.
Surviving for another season in the National Premier League, the Mariners were rampant from the off scoring three first half goals before adding a fourth after the break.
A second leg between two academy sides, the match didn’t have to wait long for the opener.
Central Coast Mariners levelling the tie from the spot inside seven minutes. Duarte slotting it past Alexander Robinson sending the Bulls keeper the wrong way.
Mariners turned the tie around after the quarter hour. Donatien Nyonkuru received the ball on the left side before cutting inside, his powerful right footed effort taking a hefty deflection before kissing the left post on its way in.
Despite this, the Bulls were looking threatening in their own way at the other end but the Mariners defence looked up to the task. The best of which saw a Ethan Debono shot blocked in the early stages.
But it was the Mariners who were looking the more dangerous with Scicluna having a long range attempt which flashed wide of the left post.
Robinson was then on hand to deny Nicholas Duarte and Bailey Brandtman in the final quarter hour of the first period.
Mariners added a deserved third goal with a lovely finish to double their advantage just before half time. Bailey Brandtman floating a shot scrumptiously into the back of the net from a left side position inside the area. Niyonkuru with the assist.
The hosts were now playing the ball around with confidence while the visitors elected to add a man up top in need of a goal.
However still persisting with a high line, the Mariners were surely able to put the tie beyond doubt. Duarte scoring his second of the night from the spot in the 55th minute. Niyonkuru winning the penalty.
While Sasha Kuzevski was alert to deny Pecora an opportunity at the other end after the hour.
The Bulls up until this point were struggling to create chances away from home.
Dylan Peraic-Cullen was called into action to deny Flynn Madden soon after down to his left.
Pecora once again hit his strike soon after via a deflection, the Bulls finally showing some of what they showed in the first leg. It continued to be at the other end where chances were flowing with Robinson kept busy right up until full time.
Post game, a relieved Lucas Vilela was happy with his sides dominant second leg performance.
“The result shows how good the boys were today.
“We were much better in our decision making tonight and we adjusted from our mistakes last weekend.
“We are a NPL side and that showed tonight in front of a crowd which spurred us on.
“We saw this as an opportunity to take, it’s a different kind of game and the players took it against a quality team in Bulls FC Academy. We of course want to avoid these kind of games particularly since it’s not good for my heart.”
Match Stats
Central Coast Mariners 4 (Duarte 7’ 55’, Niyonkuru 17’, Brandtman 45’)
Bulls FC Academy 0
Saturday 6 September, 2024
Sydney United Sports Centre
Referee: Kurt Ams
Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch & Jackson Mackie
Fourth Official: Ivica Covic
Central Coast Mariners: 40. Dylan Peraic-Cullen, 3. Cher Deng, 4. Parker Williams, 5. Harry Menham ( 70’)), 6. Jordan Small (12. Haine Emes 70’), 7. Arthur De Lima, 8. Lucas Scicluna, 9. Nicholas Duarte (13. Yani Nassis 70’), 11. Donatien Niyonkuru (17. Jai Rose 63’), 27. Sasha Kuzevski (2. Michael Paragalli 70’). Bailey Brandtman (18. Adil Toska 58’)
Substitutes Not Used: 29. Jai Ajanovic
Yellow Cards: De Lima 36’, Deng 61’
Red Cards: Nil
Buls FC Academy: 30. Alexander Robinson, 2. Luca Pecora, 3. Andre Parkes (19. Trelawney Brown 56’), 5. Sebastian Krslovic, 6. Frans Deli, 9. Michael Krslovic, 10. Flynn Madden (21. Luka Sterjovski 71’), 11. Ethan Debono (12. Ante Vodjovic 45’), 16. Oliver Jones, 17. Oliver Randazzo (8. Federico Gagliano 58’), 20. Zane Helweh (15. Gildas Gomwikezwa 45’)
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Franklin Jan
Yellow Cards: Jones 60’
Red Cards: Nil
By Justin Smith
