Central Coast Mariners ran out 2-0 winners over Sydney FC in a pre-season friendly on Friday.
The game was officially played ‘Behind Closed Doors’ at Central Coast Regional Sports Complex, Tuggerah, but lucky students from Brooke Avenue Public School were able to watch on and support the Mariners, singing for Yellow in between their Olympic-themed Sports Day events that were being hosted on the adjacent field.
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First half goals from Mikael Doka and Ryan Edmondson were enough, whilst Adam Pavlesic had a relatively quiet game in goal barring one fantastic first half save to keep his clean sheet safe.
Line-Up
Starting XI: Pavlesic (GK), Kaltak, Sainsbury, McCalmont, Kuol, Doka, Feijao, Mauragis, Tapp, Edmondson, Trialist.
Substitutions:
63′ ON: Roux, Herrington, Di Pizio. OFF: Sainsbury, Feijao, Trialist.
82′ ON: Wilson OFF: Doka
85′ ON: Smith OFF: Kuol
First Half
Sydney started the game brightly, aiming to press aggressively as they usually do, but the Mariners were dangerous on the counter attack and created the best chances of the first half.
In the opening 10 minutes, Vitor Feijao got in down the right but couldn’t find Edmondson in the middle. Moments later, a good chance fell to Alou Kuol on the edge of the box but he fired just wide of Andrew Redmayne’s goal.
The opening goal came on 24 minutes as Kuol received a cut-back in the box and was scythed down, the referee pointed to the spot. Doka calmly converted the penalty to make it two goals in two pre-season matches.
Ryan Edmondson made it 2-0 just 10 minutes later. Another sharp counter attack from the Mariners looked to have broken down but a quick reaction from Kuol won possession back in the Sydney half, our trialist then found Edmondson in the box who took one touch before finishing clinically past Redmayne into the bottom corner.
Before the break, Adam Pavlesic was brought to his best and kept the scoreline at 2-0 with a stunning save, flying to his right to tip away a volley that was destined for the top corner.
Second half
Sydney searched for a route back into the game, but the best chance they could create was a volley for Jaiden Kucharski which he failed to make a good connection with, leaving Pavlesic with a simple save.
The Mariners were fairly comfortable in the second half, defending their 2-0 lead and keeping Sydney at bay, although Kucharski did find the back of the net on 77 minutes, only to be ruled offside.
There were late opportunities for the Mariners to extend their lead at the other end but they were denied by Redmayne. First, he saved from Kuol after the Mariners number nine robbed Sydney of possession in the final third, before diving to his right to keep Lucas Mauragis’ curling effort moments later.
🗣 Jacko: “There were so many positive moments”
“It was another really good workout for the players against Sydney FC. It’s important we continue to ramp up exposure to the level of opposition and we’re pleased with the outcomes of the performance.” Jacko said.
“Pre-season is about developing understanding, especially with the new players. We have spent a lot of time on the training pitch giving clarity on our ideas and we challenged the players to execute that on the pitch today.
There was so many positive moments today that showed that understanding is there as we approach the season.
Mark Jackson after Sydney FC friendly.
Trent Sainsbury got his first minutes since returning to the club, partnering Brian Kaltak at the back for over 60 minutes and Jacko praised his professionalism and leadership, among other qualities that the Australian international will bring to the side.
“It was great to see Trent get his first minutes, we have been managing him physically since he came in but he is a true professional, he has looked after his body, he’s in great shape and for him to get a run out of more than 60 mins is really good.” Jacko said.
“Straight away, he has shown his leadership, composure and game understanding, you can see his experience. He is exactly what we thought he would be and he’ll be fantastic for the young players in the squad.
“We’re really happy with his minutes and the rest of the players’. Getting minutes in the legs is really important,” he added.
AFC Champions League Elite action is now less than two weeks away, as Jacko and the team head to China to face Shandong Taishan on September 17th, before football returns to Our Paradise on October 1st when we host Buriram United.
“We’re really excited about the challenge of the Champions League. It’s a privilege for anyone to be involved in that competition.” Jacko said.
“It’s exciting for supporters, players and staff to be up against Asia’s top teams. We will be prepared for the opportunity.”
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