Central Coast Mariners played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with St. George City FA on Sunday at Pluim Park.
The result sees the Mariners extend their unbeaten streak to four games, keeping them in touching distance of survival whilst St. George City FA missed out on the chance to close the gap to the top six.
It was a dream start for Vilela’s men, as Nicholas Duarte pounced upon a St George City FA error, slotting home his fifth of the season after less than a minute.
St George City FA looked for an immediate response, but Jack Warhshawsky was able to make a couple of routine saves, before Duarte had a penalty appeal waved away at the other end.
The equaliser did come on the half-hour mark, it was pin-ball on the edge of the box before the ball fell to Jason Romero, who made room to fire into the bottom corner.
The visitors were in the ascendancy until half time, with Warshawsky having to be at his best to deny Romero and Kosta Petratos on 39 and 42 minutes, before Petratos then headed wide the final chance of an eventful first 45, on the stroke of half time.
Romero had another chance early in the second half, attempting to lob Warshawsky but lifting his effort over the bar, before Duarte threatened at the other end but his well-struck half volley was saved by Jack Kenny.
Romero spurned another opportunity on 68 minutes, curling over from the edge of the box before another big moment in the match came two minutes later.
A loose pass put Tarik Ercan in trouble at the back for St George City FA, Donatien Niyonkuru nipped in and was pulled back by Ercan, referee Hayden Langholz had no choice but to brandish the red card.
Even with 10 men St George City FA would still be a threat, the Mariners were forced into some desperate defending and Warshawsky was on hand to keep the scoreline at 1-1.
The save of the game came in the final seconds though, as Kenny produced a flying stop to deny what would have been a stunning winner from Bailey Brandtman.
The draw means the Mariners are now unbeaten in four matches and have lost only two of their last nine in the NPL NSW, as they continue their efforts to avoid the drop to NPL League One.
Speaking to NPL NSW, Academy Head Coach Lucas Vilela believes a point is valuable, and says his team are ready for a huge clash next weekend.
“Every point counts at this stage in the competition. The boys were brave in competing but we just couldn’t capitalise on the chances created,” said Vilela.
“Today was more focused on the moment and to ride the wave because we knew it was going to be a tense match. We had the chance to change history and we nearly did but unfortunately the result didn’t come.”
“I believe the boys are ready for this battle against Sutherland as our performances and confidence continues to build and hopefully it’s going to be our day.”
