Scholars Bailey Brandtman and Arthur De Lima starred for Lucas Vilela’s Central Coast Mariners Academy side, helping them to a 3-0 win over Sydney United 58 on Sunday evening.
United came into the game off the back of a 2-0 home win over Western Sydney Wanderers Academy last weekend, presenting a tough, physical task to the young Mariners side who were winless in their opening four fixtures.
However, the Mariners would pick up a crucial and eye-catching win, thanks to a first half brace from Brandtman and a late goal from De Lima to seal the three points which Lucas Vilela will be hoping kickstarts a surge up the NPL NSW ladder.
Three goals and three points yesterday against Sydney United 58 🙌
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 9, 2025
A Bailey Brandtman double and a late Arthur De Lima strike secured us our first win of the campaign! 🔥#CCMFC #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/6j070K3zYn
🔢 Line-Up
Adam Pavlesic started in goal for the Mariners, whilst scholars De Lima, Logan Sambrook and Brandtman also featured.
There were a few familiar faces in the Sydney United line-up, who are led by Sydney FC Women’s Head Coach Ante Juric, including former Mariners Michael Glassock and Matty Hatch.
Starting XI: Pavlesic (GK), Pecora, Paragalli, R. Smith, Mewett, Mow, Scicluna, De Lima, Sambrook, Schumacher, Brandtman.
Substitutions:
31′ ON: Rose OFF: Mow
66′ ON: Taylor, Mpota OFF: Schumacher, Brandtman
90+6′ ON: Mutokoyi OFF: Sambrook
Unused subs: Wade (GK), Ryles.
First Half
After United had dominated the ball early on, it was the Mariners who made the most of their possession, ending the first half with seven shots, five on target and two goals.
De Lima and Brandtman combined for the opening goal on 17 minutes, with Brandtman found unmarked in the box before hitting the back of the net with a brilliant header.
Brandtman doubled the Mariners lead before half time, forcing a mistake at the back from Sydney United and showing great composure to finish past Josip Orlovic.
Second half
The Mariners managed the game well in the second half, with Pavlesic’s only save of note coming in the 85th minute as he denied substitute Leroy Jennings.
The Mariners then hit on the break to seal the win in the 95th minute, De Lima still showing bags of energy to chase down a clearance and race clear of the United defence before slotting past Orlovic.
The Mariners remain bottom of the table in a congested bottom half in the NPL NSW but are now level on points with the six sides above us, all on four points after five rounds.
🗣 Lucas Vilela “The most important thing is that we continue growing”
“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.
“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.
“The most important thing is that we continue growing as a team,” the Brazilian added.
▶️ Highlights via Football NSW on YouTube
🌴 Next up
Vilela and his team face another six matches away from home before returning to Pluim Park on April 27th when they host last season’s Premiers, Rockdale.
