United 58 outplayed by magic Mariners
A brace from Bailey Brandtman spurred Central Coast Mariners to a dominant 3-0 win against Sydney United 58 on Sunday afternoon at Sydney United Sports Centre, earning their first triumph of the season in the fifth round of the National Premier League Men’s NSW competition.
The hosts started the match strongly, largely controlling proceedings early, though it was the Mariners that managed to go in front in the 17th minute after Arthur De Lima delivered a cross into the box that was headed home by an unmarked Brandtman.
United 58 nearly equalised in near identical fashion in the 26th minute after winger Mason Wells put a cross in towards Tariq Maia, with the midfielder smacking a headed effort onto the left post.
The home side pressed on and created another dangerous opportunity after a marauding run by wing back Matthew Hatch down the left flank in the 33rd minute, which eventually led to Alessandro Lacalandra giving a threatening pass across goal that was cleared out by Ben Mewett.
The Mariners managed to double their lead in the 43rd minute after United 58 captain Adrian Vlastelica had his pass in the box intercepted by Brandtman, with the young striker composing himself well before chipping goalkeeper Josip Orlovic from close range to seal a brace.
Wells produced the first major chance of the second half after releasing a long-range effort on his weaker right foot in the 56th minute, forcing a strong save out of Mariners keeper Adam Pavlesic.
Central Coast came close to making it three in the 74th minute when substitute forward Muginga Mpota intercepted the ball and went one-on-one with Orlovic, who closed the distance and made a crucial save to keep his team in the contest.
Hatch committed another daring run down the left in the 86th minute wherein he passed the ball across to the right side towards teammate Leroy Jennings, who released low driven effort down the middle that was kept out by Pavlesic’s feet.
The Mariners put the game to bed in the 90+5th minute with De Lima causing havoc in a quick counter-attack and finishing the ball into the net despite taking a deflection off Orlovic.
Mariners coach Lucas Vilela gave all the credit to his players for executing their game plan and sealing their maiden win (and clean sheet) of the campaign.
“The boys stuck to the plan, and they trusted their teammates and I think that is the reason we were successful today,” Vilela told Football NSW.
He noted that the result is a vital boost for the team, which he hopes can help spur them for the rest of the season.
“We are building. When you work with young men, it takes a little time to understand the process. The confidence is coming back to the boys, and they are trusting their football because they are good players,” he said.
“The most important thing is that we continue growing as a team”
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 0
Central Coast Mariners 3 (Bailey Brandtman 17’, 43’, Arthur De Lima 90+5’)
Sunday 9 March
Sydney United Sports Centre
Referee: Brodie Merchant
Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch and Patrick Teleki
Fourth Official: Mitchell Renton
Sydney United 58: 31. Josip Orlovic, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 10. Carlos De Oliveira (6. Thomas Makko 23’), 11. Matthew Hatch, 13. Alessandro Lacalandra (32. Leroy Jennings 55’), 14. Liam McGing, 15. Tariq Maia (43. Michael Pratezina 55’), 16. Anthony Krilic, 17. Michael Glassock, 22. Stephan De Robillard (3. Bailey Rule 46’), 23. Mason Wells (37. Luke Zuvela 68’)
Substitutes Not Used: 40. Adrian-Jamie Bazina
Yellow Cards: Liam McGing 28’, Michael Glassock 81’,
Red Cards: Nil
Central Coast Mariners: 1. Adam Pavlesic, 2. Luca Pecora, 3. Michael Paragalli, 4. Rocco Smith, 5. Ben Mewett, 7. Ayoub Mow (11. Jai Rose 31’), 8. Luca Scicluna, 10. Arthur De Lima, 13. Logan Sambrook (22. Shumba Mutokoyi 90+6’), 24. Kye Schumacher (23. Laurence Taylor 66’), 37. Bailey Brandtman (21. Muginga Mpota
Substitutes Not Used: 39, Harper Ryles, 40. Joel Wade
Yellow Cards: Ayoub Mow 25’, Michael Paragali 60’, Laurence Taylor 72’, Logan Sambrook 90+4’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3: Bailey Brandtman (CCM)
2: Arthur De Lima (CCM)
1: Luca Scicluna (CCM)
-By Dimitri Kallos
