Alou Kuol scored his first A-League goal to claim all three points for Central Coast Mariners in the 51st F3 Derby at Central Coast Stadium.
It was a cagey first half at Central Coast Stadium as both teams came out in a defensive set up and neither team wanted to be the first to make a mistake.
Newcastle were forced to make an early change in the 8th minute when Jason Hoffman came off second best in a challenge with Oliver Bozanic.
Success was found down the flanks for each side, with debutants Kuach Yuel and Jaden Casella impressing for their respective teams.
The Mariners had a potential penalty for handball waved away by Stephen Lucas and the VAR. Roy O’Donovan was shown a yellow card for slapping Gianni Stensness and Lucas Mauragis picked up a yellow late on for a professional foul on Josh Nisbet.
A speculative long ball from Stefan Nigro in the 43rd minute was pounced on by Alou Kuol. The 19-year-old scored his first A-League goal, heading the ball into the back of the net to give the Mariners a deserved 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.
The second half brought much of the same action as the first and the Mariners continued to have to have the larger amount of chances.
Newcastle weren’t without their opportunities though, and Mark Birighitti was forced to make a world class save in his top corner to deny Angus Thurgate from range.
The Jets battled their way into the match late in the half but the Mariners defence stood strong. Oliver Bozanic impressed in his first game back for the Mariners and handily won the midfield battle.
Both coaches can be proud of their youngsters but it was the Mariners young guns that stood up and made the difference in the F3 Derby.
Central Coast Mariners: 1(Alou Kuol 43′)
Newcastle Jets: 0
Stadium: Central Coast Stadium
Central Coast Mariners: Mark Birighitti (GK), Joshua Nisbet, Stefan Nigro (Miller 59’), Gianni Stensness, Oliver Bozanic, Jack Clisby, Kye Rowles, Matthew Simon, Ruon Tongyik, Jaden Casella (Smylie 68’), Alou Kuol (De Silva 59’)
Substitutes: Lewis Miller, Daniel De Silva, Daniel Bouman, Adam Pearce (GK), Jordan Smylie, Damian Tsekenis, Maximilien Balard
Newcastle Jets: Jason Hoffman (Mauragis 8’), Steven Ugarkovic, Roy O’Donovan, Ramy Najjarine, Kuach Yuel (Abbas 61’), Kosta Petratos (Yengi 61’), Lachlan Jackson, Jack Duncan (GK), Connor O’Toole, Angus Thurgate ( M. Petratos 80’), Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Substitutes: Lewis Italiano (GK), Yerasimakis Petratos, Ali Abbas, Tete Yengi, Jack Armson, Lucas Mauragis, Blake Archbold
Referee: Stephen Lucas
Assistant Referees: Ryan Gallagher, James Cleal
Fourth Official: Kurt Ams
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