Two well taken first half goals from attacking midfielder Melvin Becket fired the Australian Institute of Sport to its first win of the National Youth League season on Sunday.
Becket scored in the 23rd and 44th minutes to lead the visitors to a 2-0 victory against the Central Coast Mariners at Budgewoi Soccer Club on the Central Coast.
It was a clinical performance from an AIS side littered with skilful players.
Becket led the way and was outstanding throughout, especially in the first half.
His first goal followed good lead-up and a pinpoint cross from Hernan Espindola.
Becket then showed plenty of composure to chip Mariners goalkeeper Nikodin Matic just before half-time to put AIS in control.
The Mariners went into the break two goals down but still would have felt they were in the match after creating several chances.
Captain Sam Munro had a shot blocked after only three minutes, while Matthew Lewis was dangerous on the left. There was plenty of good build up from the home team but a lack of polish in front of goals proved costly.
While chances fell at both ends in a free-flowing first half, neither goalkeeper was heavily worked in a lacklustre second 45 minutes.
Brady Smith fired a shot over the bar for the Mariners in the 52nd minute, while at the other end of the field Espindola fired just wide with 12 minutes to play.
Espindola then looked certain to score but had his goalbound shot cleared off the line by Alexander Mansueto in what was the final chance of the match.
The Mariners are now winless after three rounds following two defeats and a bye.
