Round 3 Finals Series Review – League One
Central Coast Mariners booked its ticket to the 2022 League One Men’s Grand Final against St George City after a hard fought 2-0 victory over the Northern Tigers on Saturday.
Let’s get to the official report.
Central Coast Mariners FC 2 (Bayliss ‘, Kuzevski ‘) v Northern Tigers FC 0
Central Coast Mariners booked their place in the League One Men’s Grand Final with a victory over Northern Tigers, Saturday afternoon.
Two first half goals to Lachlan Bayliss and Sasha Kuzevski proved the difference between the two sides in a professional performance from the hosts.
The game started at a rapid pace with both teams having an opportunity in the opening couple of minutes, Shervin Adeli in attack for the Tigers before Harry McCarthy had perhaps the better of the two, his left footed effort taking a deflection wide.
And it wasn’t letting up as both sides chased the opener. An opener we didn’t have to wait long for with a goal coming eleven minutes in. Lachlan Bayliss with the crucial last touch to put the hosts ahead after Sasha Kuzevski put a ball across the face for him which Tomi Liiband couldn’t handle. Joshua Hong playing a crucial part in the buildup.
Following which, the Tigers responded well with Rhys Williams, Ollie Wiggin and Scott Browning all having efforts in the five minutes following.
However it was Central Coast Mariners to extend their lead past the half hour, Sasha Kuzevski doubling their lead with a headed finish from close range. Kuzevski on the end at the back post after Lachie Bayliss found him the cross from the left.
While at the other end, Jamie Lobb nearly found Aleander Brown with an oh so tempting ball across the face.
But the first half was to finish with the Mariners two goals to the good after a frantic opening stanza, the hosts clinical touch being the difference between the two sides.
With their advantage, the Mariners then began to show some good game management in the early stages of the second half with the game turning into a stop start affair.
Despite this, the Mariners nearly went three up ten minutes into the second half. Harry McCarthy firstly having a volley blocked before Joshua Hong drew a save from Liiband with his effort from close range.
While the Tigers had their best chance from a set piece at the other end in the 64th minute. A corner causing a bit of havoc with both Ally Brown and Hiyori Kawaguchi having chances in quick succession, both denied by a desperate Mariners defense.
A theme that was constant in the second half as they looked confident in their defense while proving a threat on the counter. With Jordan Segreto having an opportunity with ten minutes left to add a third to their tally. Substitute Ben Duncan next up with a rocket of a shot with three minutes left which saw Tomii Liiband produce a stunning save.
There was then one last chance for the visitors with Ollie Scott sending a late effort past the far-left post into injury time.
The win means Luke Wilkshire’s side will face St George City in a repeat of the Major Semi Final next weekend in the Grand Final. While it’s the end of the road for the Tigers despite their best efforts on the day with their season drawing to a close.
FNSW League One Men’s 20’s result
Northern Tigers FC: 1 (DiMartino 52’)
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 5 (Lopez 6’ 26’ 39’, Malbasa 89’, M Di Pizio 93’)
