A goal to second half substitute Duncan Stewart wasn’t enough on Saturday night for the Central Coast Mariners Academy Men’s side, defeated by St. George 2-1 in PS4 NPL2 Round 18 at Seymour Shaw.
St George FC 2 (Romero, Pivato) Central Coast Mariners Academy 1 (Stewart)
The home side started strong and took the lead 5 minutes into the game when a long ball from halfway was lobbed onto the edge of the area. In-form St. George striker Jean Carlos Heras Romero did the rest, catching goalkeeper Adam Pearce off his line, putting his first time header over Pearce’s head and into the back of the net.
The Saints doubled their lead just eight minutes later, thanks to a Bruno Pivato finish. Pivato was in the right place at the right time after a ball was deflected across the face of the Mariners goal.
Brenton Fox had a good chance to peg a goal back for the Academy in the 57th minute after he went through the St. George defenders to be one-on-one with the keeper, but put his shot wide of the frame, in turn squandering a golden opportunity.
The Yellow and Navy had another chance just three minutes later after a scramble on the wide edge of the area found its way into the centre of the box. Youngster Michael Glassock couldn’t manage to get a toe on the ball, meaning another good opportunity went by the wayside.
Second half substitute Duncan Stewart did find the net though in the 64th minute, after he rounded the St. George’s keeper and finished on a very narrow angle. The goal takes Stewart’s tally to 13, equal third in the golden boot race with teammate Fox.
The Mariners thought they had levelled the game in the 91st minute, when Stewart headed home from a cross – however the celebrations were cut short when the linesman flagged for a goal kick after he deemed that cross to have gone over the by-line before returning into play.
CCMA 1 – Stewart
St. George 2 – Romero, Pivato
Earlier Results
- Under 20’s: CCMA 5 def SGFC 0
- Under 18’s: CCMA 4 def SGFC 1
The Mariners now turn their attention to next weekends fixture against Mounties Wanderers, with kick off set for 5pm on Saturday July 8, at Pluim Park, Lisarow.
Women’s Academy results
The Mariners’ PS4 NPL2 Women’s side travelled away to Sutherland Shire FA on Sunday afternoon, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat on the road.
Sutherland Shire FA 4 (Baker, Deeley, Besz, Maxwell) Central Coast Mariners Academy 1 (Blanch)
Other results:
- Reserves: SSFA 2 def CCMA 1
- Under 17’s: SSFA 2 def CCMA 0
- Under 15’s: SSFA 1 def CCMA 0
- Under 13’s: CCMA 2 def SSFA 1
