With Sydney FC’s loss against Fraser Park last night, the Western Sydney Wanderers have a great chance to extend their lead at the top of the NPL table.
KICK-OFF: Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers. 3pm at Pluim Park
After themselves outlasting form side Fraser Park 6-3 in an epic encounter last weekend, the Wanderers will look to notch consecutive victories for the first time in over two months when they travel to Pluim Park to face ninth-placed Central Coast Mariners.
The two clubs have formed one of the Hyundai A-League’s grittiest rivalries over the past four top-tier seasons and although the Wanderers and Mariners have only met once in the NPL to date, a similarly edgy contest to the 3-2 win over Central Coast in April could be anticipated when the two outfits meet today.
Ben Cahn’s side were on the receiving end of their third loss in four games in Round 21 with a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Marconi still sure to be stinging as the young Mariners await the arrival of the competition frontrunners. It’s been two months since Central Coast last tasted victory at Pluim Park while the side have also failed to score in their last two outings.
Despite an underwhelming season for the Yellows, it has been a great opportunity for the likes of talented young attacker Trent Buhagiar to flourish and with a very respectable 12 goals in 17 appearances the Umina Eagles prospect will be a tricky prospect for Trevor Morgan’s side to contend with.
Meanwhile, the Wanderers will be looking to capitalise on the form of Kyle Cimenti who notched his seventh goal in four games with last weekend his second hat trick of the season.
