Central Coast Mariners vs Western United at Central Coast Stadium
Result: Mariners 1 – Western United 0
High Flyers Grounded
On a dry Saturday night, high flying Western United were brought down in a determined display by the on-form Mariners by a single goal.
The Victorian visitors dominated the opening minutes gaining the first corner of the game in the 8th minute. But it was the home side which fired in the first shot on target as Jason Cummings, from well outside the penalty area, struck the ball with power. The goalie was beaten but the post denied the Scotsman. The rebound was met by Beni N’Kololo whose shot was pushed out for a corner by Jamie Young.
Former Mariners favourite Connor Paine was proving a threat with his swift movements. However throughout the many raids by Western, the Mariners defence stood firm and resolute. They were solidly backed up by Birighitti who guarded his goal superbly.
The teams were locked at 0-0 as the half time whistle blew.
The second half saw the Coast side attacking in waves. First Moresche and then Cummings prominent with headers which were unsuccessful.
The looping and elusive Beni N’Kololo was proving a handful. In the 66th minute, a through ball from Miller to N’Kololo on the right saw Beni find some space. Beni chased the ball down as it approached the goal line and centered the ball through two defenders for Moresche to put it into in the net. Unfortunately, the ball had crossed the goal line prior to Beni centering the ball.
With twenty minutes to go, Garang Kuol was brought on which was earlier than previous games. Within eight minutes the Mariners scored the only goal of the game. Moresche won the ball against some tight defence, passing the ball onto Marcos Urena. Marcos in turn laid it off to Kuol. The remarkable and talented 17 year old picked his spot to perfection, giving Western’s goalkeeper Young no chance. This exciting prospect then proceeded to take corners, free kicks and the odd shot.