Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney FC at Central Coast Stadium
Result: Mariners 2 - Sydney 0
Total team performance sees off Sydney FC
Operating as a complete team from defence through midfield to attack was the highlight of the night as the Mariners defeated Sydney in front of over 6000 spectators on a beautiful Sunday evening.
A steely determination shocked the visitors as the Yellow won the majority of first half tackles. So it was no surprise when Brazilian Moresche showing great skills by feeding the ball into the goal area where Marco Urena made no mistake in the 13th minute in a one-on-one situation with the Sydney goalkeeper to put us up 1-0.
Within two minutes the home crowd was again on its feet again as defender Lewis Miller raided down the Sky Blues left flank, beat a desperate tackle and fired a low, powerful pass that appeared to be seen by the home ground faithful in Brazilian Moresche sweeping the ball home past an isolated Redmayne. The goal stood to make it 2-0 but unfortunately for Moresche the goal was awarded as an own goal to Sydney's Caceres who tried to clear the ball.
It took until the 25th minute for the visitors to mount an attack which was wasted as the ball rolled through the goal area and was cleared.
The diminutive, but so effective Joshua Nisbet, found himself free and well placed his header went agonisingly over.
When Birighitti was called on, he performed his tasks expertly. The defensive line was solid again.
Despite all the aggression shown late in the game by the Champion team, the Mariners held firm to emerge victors by two goals to one.