Sydney warmed up for next week’s National Youth League title decider with a comfortable 1-0 victory against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.
A spectacular strike from Robbie Mileski in the eighth minute was the difference in the final round showdown at Pluim Park, Lisarow, on the Central Coast.
Sydney started full of intensity and created two other good chances before Mileski found the back of the net with a well placed chipped shot.
Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was slightly off his line and Mileski took full advantage in wet conditions on the Central Coast.
The goal was the perfect reward for Sydney-s dominance in the opening exchanges.
Talented Kofi Danning was causing the Mariners defence plenty of dramas.
Central Coast rarely threatened in a first half dominated by Sydney.
Mariners midfielder Greg Owens tried hard, while Pedj Bojic, who was dropped from the Mariners A-League squad for Friday night-s semi-final against Queensland, also attempted to lift the home side.
It was much tighter in the second half with the Mariners securing a lot more possession.
But despite seeing more of the ball the Mariners failed to test Sydney goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic.
Defenders Anthony Golec and Matthew Jurman were impressive in what was a solid hit-out for Sydney.
The defeat ends what has been and up and down season for the Mariners.
Some disappointing performances were followed with some impressive victories with inconsistency the team-s biggest problem.
