It’s a disappointing blow for the talented 19-year-old who was trying to push for a spot in the A League side and had put in several strong performances in recent weeks to help the Mariners youths remain undefeated so far this season.

The extent of Sherlock’s injury is unknown but the defender came off in the 89th minute and is in doubt for this Sunday’s match against the Melbourne Victory.

Before coming off the field he played a crucial role at the back as his side managed to get on top of Adelaide in their match at McKellar Park in Canberra on Sunday.

Mariners captain Panny Nikas and substitute Gavin Forbes netted the goals for the Central Coast side. Visiting captain Matthew Mullen was the lone scorer for Adelaide United but he scored the opener of the game to shock the home team.

He powered a drive off his right foot from the edge of the penalty area that had Mariners custodian Andrew Redmayne well and truly beaten.

On the half-hour mark Hyundai A-League squad member Dylan Macallister was wrestled down in the box by Adelaide’s Michael Doyle, leaving referee Vandeburgt in little doubt about pointing to the spot, and Mariners skipper Nikas gratefully accepted the chance to draw level. Nikas drilled the ball high and to the left of Adelaide’s keeper Mark Birighitti who could only watch as the ball rippled his net.

The Mariners began the second half in dominant fashion but they couldn’t convert their chances and Adelaide looked like they might be going to get on top.

They had three genuine chances but they too struggled to find the back of the net and the young Mariners reacted to the sustained period of pressure in the best possible way, breaking the 1-all deadlock in the dying stages.

A Brad Porter through ball found Gavin Forbes in the 88th minute, who hit the ball first time with a sweetly timed volley. Birighitti was up to the task but Forbes showed great determination and pursued the bouncing ball with vigour. He was well rewarded for his efforts, heading the ball home from three yards to give the Mariners the lead.

Sherlock was then replaced after picking up his injury.

The talented defender’s task to get into first grade was hard enough without an injury setback. The Mariners team are fourth in the A-League but they have by far the strongest defence of any team.