The Central Coast Mariners’ National Youth League (NYL) side has suffered a spirited 2-1 loss at the hands of the much-fancied Queensland Roar at Ballymore Stadium this afternoon.
The Central Coast Mariners- National Youth League (NYL) side has suffered a spirited 2-1 loss at the hands of the much-fancied Queensland Roar at Ballymore Stadium this afternoon.
Striker Darko Vidovic netted the Mariners- only goal from the penalty spot in between strikes from Hyundai A-League experienced Roar pair Tim Smits and Tommy Oar.
Despite enjoying their fair share of chances and possession, the Mariners young guns were unable to come away from the Queensland capital with at least a share of the spoils.
Vidovic-s goal was his second of the campaign and came in the absence of regular NYL attacking lynchpin and standout local product Brady Smith, who missed the fixture through suspension.
Hyundai A-League squad members Andrew Clark, Matthew Nash and Paul O-Grady each completed ninety minutes, while Greg Owens was substituted for younger brother Ty Owens shortly before the hour mark.
“Generally our shape was pretty good throughout, we created a lot of chances and gave a good account of ourselves,” said Mariners NYL Head Coach Alex Tobin after the match.
“Of course we-re not pleased with the result, but Matthew Nash didn-t have a busy day in goal which was good and the performance was generally one that we can take a lot of positives from.”
The Mariners- National Youth League campaign continues at the EnergyAustralia Stadium home of northern rivals the Newcastle Jets on Friday, 26 December. Kick off is at 5.15pm.
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners 1. Matthew Nash (gk), 2. Steven Tibbetts, 4. Paul O-Grady, 7. Matthew Lewis, 9. Andrew Clark, 10. Glen Trifiro, 11. Darko Vidovic, 12. Scott Wright (3. Nick Kapsis 62-), 13. Laurence Braude, 14. Greg Owens (6. Ty Owens 56-), 17. Sean Mitchell (21. Ashley Balcomb 62-)
Yellow Cards Greg Owens 38-, Tibbetts 73-
Red Cards None
Goals Vidovic 14-P
Queensland Roar 1. Matt Acton (gk), 5. Luke Brattan, 6. Matt Mundy, 7. Robbie Kruse (9. Tyler Thurtell 51-), 8. Tim Smits, 10. Adam Sarota, 12. Tommy Oar, 13. David Dodd (3. Mitch Bevan 46-), 14. Ben Griffin, 15. William Tumusiime (2. Daniel Bowles 46-), 16. Andrew Packer
Yellow Cards None
Red Cards None
Goals Smits 4-, Oar 81-
Referee Alan Milliner
