Central Coast has regained top spot in the National Youth League following a come-from-behind 3-2 win against arch-rival Newcastle on Saturday.
After scores were level at half-time the Mariners needed second half goals from Nick Fitzgerald and Bernie Ibini-Isei to take the points in the round 26 match at Pluim Park on the Central Coast.
The Mariners went into the match in second place on percentages and needed a big performance to beat the Jets.
Three weeks ago the Jets walloped the Mariners 4-1, but it was a different story this time around with the Mariners creating the majority of the chances in what was the club-s 12th win of the season.
Central Coast dominated for much of the first half. Goalkeeper Matthew Ryan was forced into some good saves by the Jets, but the majority of the best attacking play in the first half came from the Mariners.
Midfielder Matthew Crowell opened the scoring with a well-placed goal in the eighth minute. Crowell capitalized on some great lead up play from Adam Kwasnik and Panny Nikas and fired in a well-placed shot beyond the reach of Jets goalkeeper Dion Shaw. Crowell had support either side but opted to place a shot and did it perfectly.
The Mariners then had several other good chances to extend their lead. Kwasnik, Nikas and Shane Huke all had good openings, but failed to hit the target.
Then, totally against the run of play, Jets striker Fabian Iacovelli put Newcastle level. The Jets front man received the ball after a poor clearance from Crowell, beat a defender and then struck a powerful shot past Ryan in the 44th minute.
The Jets went into the break confident after the goal and dominated the early exchanges in the second half. Damian Brosque put the visitors in front for the first time with a well-taken goal in the 49th minute.
Then the Mariners started to dominate possession and created some good chances without finding an equaliser.
Fitzgerald, who came on in the 61st minute, saw his deflected shot beat the goalkeeper in the 68th minute before Ibini-Isei scored what turned out to be the winner in the 74th minute.
Both sides had chances in the final 10 minutes. Ryan kept the Mariners in front with a good low save in the 84th minute as the Jets pushed forward to try and score a late equaliser.
The victory means the Mariners will take out the minor premiership if they beat Sydney FC in a final round match at Pluim Park next Saturday.
