Mariners Academy continue strong form with draw at Pluim Park

Central Coast Mariners continued their strong run of form, sharing the spoils with high-flying Blacktown City after a thrilling 1-1 draw at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides came into the game with back-to-back wins in their previous two outings, the Mariners looking to continue that form to jump out of the bottom two, whilst Blacktown were aiming to leapfrog APIA Leichhardt into third place.

The Mariners started brightly, Arthur De Lima saw a shot from the edge of the area blocked, before Sasha Kuzevski’s free-kick flashed just over the crossbar.

Jack Warshawsky was tested for the first time on the 25-minute mark but was able to make a routine catch from Mitchell Mallia’s long-range effort, before Kuzevski had another sighter at the other end, striking on the half-volley but it sailed over the bar.

On 40 minutes, some dazzling wing-play from Donatien Niyonkuru saw him beat three defenders before his cross found Taye Hedley at the back post, his volley crashed against the underside of the bar and somehow Blacktown were let off.

The Mariners were punished for that missed chance less than a minute later, as the visitors took the lead against the run of play. A clearance found Martin Fernandez through on goal who finished over Warshawsky to open the scoring.

Despite being under pressure for the majority of the first half, Blacktown would have taken a two-goal lead into the break if it wasn’t for Warshawsky, who was at his best to deny Jacob Maniti with a full-stretch save in first-half stoppage time.

The Mariners wouldn’t have to wait long for an equaliser after the restart, as Kuzevski’s corner in the 55th minute was perfectly met by Cher Deng who planted his header into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Both sides pushed for a decisive goal in an end-to-end second half, Blacktown peppering Warshawsky with a series of long-range efforts including three from Danny Choi. Their best chance came on 83 minutes though, as Reuben Awaritefe failed to convert a glaring headed chance.

At the other end, Lucas Scicluna forced Tristan Prendergast into his best save of the game with a thunderous effort and in added time the Blacktown keeper got down well to deny Jordan Small what would have been the winner.

The keepers stayed on top and the points were shared at Pluim Park as the Mariners continued a strong run of form which has seen them take seven points from their last three games, with four of those coming against sides in the top four in Blacktown and APIA.

Home form has been key to their recent success too, Lucas Vilela’s side are beginning to make Pluim Park something of a fortress, losing just once in their six games on the Coast and that was a narrow 1-0 defeat to second placed Marconi Stallions.

The Mariners will hope to continue that home form next weekend, as a win against 13th-placed St George could see Vilela’s side rise to 12th in the table.

🗣 Vilela on ‘Finals every game’ mentality

Speaking to NPL NSW, Academy Head Coach Vilela says there are ‘pleasing’ signs with the team and performances are mirroring the way they’re being tested in training:

“What is pleasing is to see the young team performing like that right until the end because in football not everything goes your way, but having experienced players like Sasha [Kuzevski] and Jack [Warshawsky] and others help the younger members flourish.” Vilela said.

“How the boys have handled themselves mirrors how we train them. We force them into mistakes and make them react accordingly and understand the process.

“We know we are behind on the table and need to play catch up. By playing a ‘finals every game’ mentality, that’s how the boys need to react to remain focused.

“We play as if every game is our last.” Vilela said.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS