Football Federation Australia Centre of Excellence 2 (Selden 21’ & Roberts 62’) Central Coast Mariners Youth 1 (Wales 6’)
Despite enough chances and a disallowed goal in the dying stages our Central Coast Mariners Foxtel National Youth League team have gone down 2-1 to the Football Federation Australia Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.
The first half saw chances fall either way but Wales wasted no time kicking off proceedings in the sixth minute with the opening goal in Canberra.
Ben Cahn’s team controlled possession for majority of the first half and continued to ask questions of the FFA COE back four after going a goal ahead in the opening stages.
However it was the home team who equalised with an impressive finish by Jaidon Seldon who picked up possession on the edge of the box and found the top corner, giving Adam Pearce no chance in goals.
10 minutes before the break FFA COE had a chance to equalise when a spot kick was awarded but Adam Peace was on hand to neutralise the danger. Pearce went down well to his right and denied Bryce Bafford’s spot kick which saw the teams head into the change rooms on even terms at half time.
Play settled a little in the second half with both teams recording half chances at either end but the Mariners came home strong and were unlucky not to at least take a point.
But it was FFA COE who doubled their lead in the 62nd minute through their skipper, John Roberts who intercepted a defensive mix up and capitalised for their second goal of the match.
The goal was not enough to deter the Mariners’ who pushed hard for an equaliser with several chances. Wales went agonisingly close to doubling his tally for the day thanks to a great through ball by substitute Duncan Stewart but his shot slammed into the side netting. With just two minutes remaining Wales had another great chance but FFA COE’s keeper, Matthew Sutton made a crucial save.
In the dying stages the Central Coast Mariners continued to press as Reece Papadimitrios struck the crossbar with a free-kick and Lachlan Wales found the back of the net. After some impressive play through the midfield Wales fired home only to be denied by the offside flag that was contentiously raised.
The Central Coast Mariners continue their season next Sunday away from home against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Marconi Stadium.
Football Federation Australia Centre of Excellence: Matthew Sutton (gk), Bryce Bafford (Kai Trewin), Kaleb Cox, Louis D’Arrigo, Jacob Italiano (Mirza Muratovic), Joel King, Benjamin Obst, John Roberts, Patrick Scibilio, Jaidon Selden (Mark Moric), Mark Tokich
Unused substitutions: Jakeb Wiseman (gk)
Central Coast Mariners: Adam Pearce (gk), Adam Berry, James Enticknap (Thomas Lyons), Brenton Fox, Peter Kekeris (Zac Sfiligoi), Reece Papadimitrios, Ryan Peterson, Gianni Stensness (Duncan Stewart), Lachlan Wales, Steve Whyte (c), Harry Ascroft
Unused Substitutions: Aidan Mumford (gk)
