Northern Tigers dominated Central Coast Lightning but could not score freely in winning 2-0 at Mills Park, Asquith in the Round 20 fixture this afternoon .

Coming off a good win against St George last weekend it may have looked like a real contest coming up but really it was only spasmodically that the visitors got into any dangerous positions and it was the uncharacteristic reticence up front that kept to the scoreline down to only two for the home side.

The game was only 8 minutes old when the Tigers got forward once more, sending a ball over to the right of the penalty area where captain Paul Davies knocked it back into the mix. Tom Spencer was there to head home into the top left of the Coast's goal. 1-0

Sustained pressure from the Tigers and it wasn't until the 21st minute that the Coast got down the left side but were closed down; and at the other end the Tigers drew a save from Lightning 'keeper Josh Barrett.

With the home side continuing to dominate it was a suprise then when Brady Smith send a shot just wide on the right in the 35th minute.

Barrett was getting a solid workout, with him (at the 38th minute) coming well out of his area to try to clear the ball off a surge by Paul Davies - he managed to avert danger but had to scramble back as play continued on the right flank. A few minutes later Tiger's custodian Stuart Page had to be smart to come out to clear as well.

Just before the break the Coast got their next chance when Darren Cooper hit a half-volley from 20m but well over the crossbar!

As the game went on into the second half it seemed like neither team had much punch - with some half chances to both sides not enough to raise some fervour from the small crowd (see pics).

Indeed it seemed that it was only the prompting of half-time substitute Max Glanville that even looked 'likely'. The 17 year old new Central Coast Mariners NYL prospect was on hand to knock in an easy chance in the 80th minute at the left post - from a ball from the right that evaded everyone else. 2-0 and that is as it finished.

Super League leaders Parramatta Eagles won on Saturday and sealed the Premiership; leaving Northern Tigers in 2nd place with an extra game in hand to jockey for most favourable challenging position come finals time.

Under 20: Northern Tigers 0 - Central Coast Lightning 1