The Central Coast Mariners have recorded a statement pre-season victory on Saturday morning, defeating Melbourne City 4-2 in Sydney.
Following our friendly against Sydney FC on Thursday a youthful side was used for the fixture, coming up against a Melbourne City line up filled with both A-League and international experience.
The young team looked energetic throughout the fixture, competing toe to toe with the experienced Melbourne City outfit.
Michael Ruhs, Dor Jok, Sam Silvera and lifelong academy player Ben Duncan scored the Mariners goals to seal the result.
After falling behind 1-0 early, the Mariners got back into the match through some brilliant play from Jok. The striker pressed well, stealing the ball from City goalkeeper Tom Glover before Ruhs followed in to slot home the first of the day.
Sam Silvera would give the Mariners their second just before the half time break, arriving into the box before unleashing an effort. His shot found its way past the outstretched hand of Glover, with Central Coast heading into half-time with a 2-1 lead.
After a pleasing start to the second period, Jok scored his well-deserved first to leave the Mariners leading 3-1. The youngster cracking a thunderbolt of a strike, collecting the underside of the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
A City goal shortly after kept them in the match, before Silvera turned from goal scorer to creator to seal the result. The midfielder drove to the byline before cutting the ball back, finding academy product Duncan.
After scoring against Sydney FC only a few days before, the substitute continued his good form, hitting a close-range volley first time to secure the 4-2 win.
The victory against a Melbourne City team littered with international players continues our pleasing pre-season, as the squad prepares for our final set of friendlies.
The A-League Men’s season kicks off for the Mariners on October 8th, as we play host to the Newcastle Jets in the F3 derby at Central Coast Stadium.
