The Western Sydney Wanderers have suffered their first loss of the Foxtel Y-League season after losing 3-2 to Central Coast Mariners at Popondetta Park on Saturday night.
After goals from Mohamed Adam and Samuel Silvera cancelled out earlier strikers from Mariners players Joshua Nisbet and Peter Kekris, Matias Paz’s goal with eight minutes remaining ensured that the visitors took all three points.
Central Coast had the first shot of the game through Michael Glassock with Jerrad Tyson saving well.
Tacettin Kumsuz then had a scoring opportunity for the Wanderers after Moudi Najjar won a free kick in a good position, but his effort just flew over the crossbar.
The Mariners took the lead after Joshua Nisbet ran to the edge of the penalty area and finished past Tyson.
The Red & Black almost hit back straight away when Fabian Monge evaded two defenders and slipped the ball through to Najjar. The goal was ruled offside.
Just before the half-hour mark, the Wanderers equalised thanks to a spectacular goal from Adam who received the ball in space, cut inside and blasted the ball into the bottom corner from 25-yards out.
Jordan Hall and Tate Russell were then called upon at the other end as they both blocked shots from Mariners winger Peter Kekeris.
However, Kekeris would make it 2-1 to the Central Coast after he scored from close range in the 37th minute.
Despite further efforts from the Wanderers debutant John Roberts and Monge, the score was 2-1 to the Mariners at halftime.
Matthew Lecce was brought on for the Red & Black at the start of the second half and was in the thick of the action straight away, almost getting on the end of a cross, only to be denied back a last-ditch tackle.
Just before the hour mark Monge was on hand to prevent the Wanderers from falling further behind, clearing the ball off the line after a scramble following a Mariners corner.
Samuel Silvera was brought on for his first appearance of the Foxtel Y-League season and it would be proved to be an inspired substitution.
The Wanderers would make it 2-2 and once again, Adam was involved.
Adam beat a defender on the left wing before sliding the ball across the face of the goal for Silvera to finish.
Tyson made an excelled one on one save in the 80th minute to keep the scores level, but it wouldn’t be enough as Mariners substitute Paz headed in the decisive goal a couple minutes later.
Despite the loss, the Wanderers remain six points clear at the top of the Foxtel Y-League Group after Newcastle Jets drew 2-2 with Sydney FC.
The Wanderers move on to face Sydney FC next Saturday at Lambert Park in Leichhardt and a draw will see the Wanderers qualify for their first ever Foxtel Y-League Grand Final. Kick-off is at 7pm.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Mohamed Adam 26’ Samuel Silvera 72’)
Central Coast Mariners 3 (Joshua Nisbet 16’ Peter Kekeris 37’ Matias Paz 82’)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Jerrad Tyson, Tate Russell, Jordon Hall, Mohamed Al-Taay, Mathieu Cordier (Adrian Valenti 62’), Fabian Monge, Tacettin Kumsuz (Matthew Lecce 46’), Abdelrahman Kuku (c), John Roberts (Samuel Silvera 66’), Mohamed Adam, Moudi Najjar
Unused substitute: Nicholas Suman
