While the rest of the squad enjoys their off-season break, Central Coast Mariners pair Josh Bingham and Jake McGing have been keeping themselves busy in the Playstation 4 National Premier League NSW Men’s 2 competition with affiliate club Central Coast FC.
Recently elevated to the Mariners senior squad, the duo who are housemates and good friends off-field, have been among Central Coast FC’s best in 2015, with the Pluim Park based side sitting three points off top spot after the weekend’s big 6-1 win over St. George FC.
McGing who played the full 90 minutes on the weekend, said he has been loving his time at the club, where he has been playing in a different role at the request of Mariners head coach Tony Walmsley.
“I’m usually a midfielder, but I’ve been playing centre-back. It’s a different role in the team, but I’ve been really enjoying it right now. It’s a young club, young team and we’re playing really good football as well” McGing said.
Football manager Ken Schembri was full of praise for the 21-year old, describing McGing as one of the side’s most consistent performers in 2015.
Schembri also echoed similar sentiments when discussing former Foxtel National Youth League skipper Josh Bingham, who has been in fine touch this season, netting six goals for the club.
“Josh has been very good for us this season. He’s been scoring goals and I think the experience he is getting is invaluable as he builds towards next season” Schembri said.
Bingham sat out the win over St. George after picking up a knock the previous week against Sydney University. He has however been cleared of serious injury and should return to the line-up for next week’s clash with Hakoah Sydney City East FC.
Bingham said he was enjoying playing among good mates at Central Coast FC and doing all he could to keep fit ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
“Getting 90 minutes every week is good for match fitness. It’s good to keep the legs moving and to have a ball at your feet” Bingham said.
“Next season I want to make as many appearances as I can and to just play my role in the team and it’s good to be able to build towards that at the moment.”
While Central Coast FC are going one week at a time, the club can’t help but have one eye on promotion at the end of the season and they are looking to make a big finish as they duel for top spot with leaders Spirit FC.
In other PS4 NPL and NSW State League news, our other affiliate clubs had a mixed weekend. In the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1, Central Coast FC and North Shore Mariners both picked up wins.
In the Men’s State League 1, the Western NSW Mariners went down 5-1. The North Shore Mariners had opposite fortunes, picking up a 5-1 win over Rydalmere Lions.
Meanwhile in the Women’s State League 1, the girls at the Western NSW Mariners secured a big 5-1 win over St. George FC.
