Central Coast Mariners Academy Men will face a relegation play-off, after falling into the bottom two due to a final day defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Wanderers ran away with the game late on, with all three goals coming in the final 15 minutes, leaving the Mariners no time to respond.
Lucas Vilela’s side will now face a play-off fixture to decide their fate, hoping for a repeat of last season when a 4-0 win over Bulls secured our NPL status.
🔢 Line-Up
Starting XI: Joel Wade (GK), Michael Paragalli, Jai Rose, Ty McKibbin, Noah Peacock, Shumba Mutokoyi, Laurence Taylor, Kye Schumacher, Max Miller, Harrison Jablonkski, Harper Ryles.
Substitutions:
56′ ON: Jordan Small, Flynn Richards OFF: McKibbin, Taylor
66′ ON: Ahmad Elhelou OFF: Noah Peacock
Unused subs: Jai Ajanovic (GK)
First Half
It was a cagey start as expected for a game of this importance, with neither side managing to register a shot on target in the first half.
The Wanderers went close twice just before the half an hour mark, Julian Cop was inches away from converting a dangerous cross at the back post, before Alaat Abdul-Rahman saw an effort crash off the woodwork.
At the other end, Noah Peacock had the Mariners best attempt of the first half with a free-kick that hit the side netting.
Second half
The eventual 3-0 scoreline maybe flattered the Wanderers, but it was the Red and Black that were in the ascendancy from the start of the second half.
Awan Lual was denied by a brilliant save from Joel Wade on 62 minutes, before substitute Ahmad Elhelou went closest for the Mariners, hitting the outside of the post with one of his first touches of the game.
The breakthrough for the visitors came on 78 minutes as the Mariners failed to deal with a ball into their box, the ball was headed across goal and Lual was there for a tap in at the back post.
Just five minutes later the Wanderers doubled their lead from the spot after a handball call from the referee, Alaat Abdul-Rahman coolly slotted down the middle.
The Mariners pushed for a goal back and were denied by a fine double save from close range from Wanderers keeper Tristan Vidackovic, who kept out Michael Paragalli’s header and Harper Ryles follow-up on 86 minutes, had one of those found the net it would have made for a thrilling finish as a draw would have been enough for the Mariners.
Instead it was Wanderers who struck a third at the other end on the break, substitute Johnny Pavlovic sliding in to convert a cross from the left and seal the win for the visitors.
▶️ Highlights
Watch the full highlights via Football NSW on YouTube.
🌴 Next Up
The Mariners will face the promotion/relegation play-off, just as they did last year, to fight for their survival at NPL1 level.
Vilela’s team will face SD Raiders, who finished behind Premiers UNSW in NPL NSW League One (NPL2) over two legs, with fixtures to be confirmed later this week.
