Despite taking a commanding 2-0 lead away from home the Central Coast Mariners Academy have played out a 2-2 draw with the North Shore Mariners in the PS4 NPL 2.
It was a crucial hit out for both teams who were both looking to surge into the top six.
The Central Coast side had themselves off to a perfect start and found the back of the net early thanks to some impressive build up from Shelford Dais. Dais whipped a precision ball into the box and prolific goal scorer, Duncan Stewart made no mistake with the finish in the 19th minute.
With an early lead, the Mariners weren’t going to take their foot off the pedal. Just 10 minutes later, young centre back Michael Glassock fired a shot into the top corner to double his side’s lead.
Heading into the break, Ben Cahn’s side were full of confidence with a 2-0 lead but knew the experienced North Shore Mariners were going to put up a fight in the second half.
The second stanza evened out and North Shore Mariners hit back in the 51st minute to make it 2-1 thanks to a goal by Frederick Ankumah-Sey
In the 72nd minute, it was quickly 2-2 when Marquin Smith found the back of the net with an equaliser
Both teams went excruciatingly close to bagging a winner at the death but it wasn’t to be, the match would end in a 2-2 draw at Northbridge Oval leaving the Central Coast Mariners Academy and North Shore Mariners locked on even points on the PS4 NPL 2 ladder, however the Central Coast have an important game in hand.
Next Saturday the Central Coast Mariners Academy host the Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Pluim Park. Kick-off is 4pm at entry is FREE!
