It was another strong weekend for the Central Coast Mariners women’s and youth girl’s academy, collecting important points across five massive matches.
The team’s returned to Pluim Park for just the second time this season, facing a difficult challenge against some strong Blacktown outfits.
The Mariners also featured in the Sapphire Cup on Wednesday night, taking on Manly Vale FC as they looked to progress to the third round of the competition.
First grade vs Blacktown City
Off the back of their first loss this season against UNSW FC, the Mariners returned to action in style against Blacktown City on Sunday afternoon.
An early goal from Kaya Hawkinson in the 19th minute put the Mariners firmly in control, with the side taking that lead into the break.
With the one goal advantage, head coach Dan Barrett opted to bring on Annalise Rasmussen, with our first A-League Women’s signing immediately causing havoc for Blacktown’s defence.
Under 10 minutes later she had scored her first and the team’s second, doubling our lead in the 61st minute. The side were able to see the game out, keeping the Mariners in second with a game still in hand.
Stand out performers in their first game included Kyara O’Brien, Servet Uzunlar and Kaitlin Murphy who all made the team of the week.
A young side was used for the Sapphire Cup match, with many under 20’s filling the squad. Despite Manly taking the lead in the 27th minute, the Mariners did not panic.
A quick-fire Natalie Davis double in the 66th and 77th minute sealed the comeback victory, as the team push on into the third round of action.
Under 20’s vs Blacktown City FC
After last weekend’s nil-all draw against UNSW FC, the Mariners Under 20’s emphatically returned to winning ways against Blacktown City on Sunday afternoon.
Savannah Lalor got the scoring underway in the 27th minute, getting her first of the match. That goal was the only one before the half time break, with the home side in control.
Lalor got her second just after the restart, doubling the sides advantage. Natalie Davis scored her first in the 56th minute to give them a 3-0 lead, with the three points essentially secured.
Three quickly became four as Davis grabbed her brace in the 61st minute before getting a well-earned break, extending our lead to four.
A hattrick goal for Lalor was the icing on the cake for the under 20’s, recording a dominant and well-deserved victory.
Youth Girls vs Blacktown City
The Youth Girls had a mixed weekend of results in many top of the table clashes, as they faced off against Blacktown City on Sunday.
The under 14’s begun the day, trailing by a goal heading into the break. Two second half strikes saw them secure an important point as it finished 2-all, seeing them sit comfortably in the mid table with a game in hand. Marlee Freeman, Amelia Hughes and Rory Cunningham were all standouts, making the team of the week.
Our under 15’s girls suffered just their second loss of the season in a tough contest against Blacktown City, trailing by two at the break. The side fought hard to get back in the contest, scoring twice, but it ultimately wasn’t enough as the team fell to a 3-2 defeat. Imogen Tanti and Olivia Ainslie were the two stand out performers.
The final game of the day was the under 16’s who continued their incredible start to the season. Currently undefeated, the side kept another clean sheet as they extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
With the scores locked at nil-all at the end of the first half, the second was a completely different story. Five unanswered goals secured the side a dominant 5-0 win, with Andie Chaseling making the team of the week.
