The Central Coast Mariners National Youth League (NYL) team has tonight suffered its second loss of the new season, 3-0 at the hands of an impressive Adelaide United line up at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The Central Coast Mariners National Youth League (NYL) team has tonight suffered its second loss of the new season, 3-0 at the hands of an impressive Adelaide United line up at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Adelaide striker Francesco Monterosso netted a first half brace before Robert Younis added the Reds- third to secure all three points for the home side, who mostly had the better of a determined Mariners side that were valiant throughout without reward.
“Full credit to Adelaide, they were the better team here today but I thought that our boys gave a good account of themselves against a very strong opponent,” said Mariners NYL Head Coach Alex Tobin after the match.
“Many of Adelaide-s players tonight have had notable experience in the Hyundai A-League previously and it was a great learning experience for our players to go up against them and to challenge themselves, which is what the NYL is all about.”
Hyundai A-League players David D-Apuzzo, Nik Mrdja, Matthew Nash and Greg Owens were each handed starts by Tobin, who would have been impressed with the contributions from his senior contingent.
Mrdja and Owens each continued their climb towards peak match fitness with hour and half-hour cameos respectively, with Mrdja combining well with Darko Vidovic up front to create the glut of the Mariners- chances in conjunction with Owens, who showcased some neat touches before being withdrawn before the break.
Perhaps most impressive for the yellow and navy were central midfield pair Sean Mitchell and Glen Trifiro, who loomed as the Mariners- most likely outlets for a goal despite the Reds- measured dominance throughout.
Indeed, it was Mitchell that came closest to netting the Mariners- historic first NYL goal towards the end of the opening stanza – his solid long range effort clattering off the crossbar and rebounding back in to play.
“We-ve not had the greatest start to the NYL season in terms of results but there are plenty of positives for us to draw on at this very early stage,” said Tobin.
“It-s been great for us to give some of our Hyundai A-League players the chance to return to full fitness and the likes of Nash, Mrdja and Owens will have benefited hugely from tonight-s run out.
“I-ve also been very encouraged by the character and understanding that is developing amongst our playing group, which was again evident tonight, particularly after bouncing back in response to conceding two goals fairly early in the match.
“Now we have some time off to regroup due to the bye and we-ll use this time to work more at training and develop the structures and practices that we-ve put in place and I-m confident that with such hard work our first result is just around the corner.”
The Mariners- National Youth League campaign continues on Saturday, 11 October when they take on the Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium. Kick off is at 3pm. Entry is free, though the only access to Bluetongue Stadium will be at the western gates from 2.30pm.
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners 1. Matthew Nash (gk), 2. Steven Tibbetts, 4. Nathan Sherlock, 7. Matthew Lewis, 8. Nick Kapsis, 9. Nik Mrdja (6. Ty Owens 60-), 10. Glen Trifiro, 11. Darko Vidovic, 16. David D-Apuzzo (12. Scott Wright 46-), 17. Sean Mitchell, 21. Greg Owens (13. Laurence Braude 32-)
Yellow Cards Mrdja 51-
Red Cards None
Goals None
Adelaide United 30. Mark Birighitti (gk), 3. Scott Weidenbach (2. Michael Doyle 60-), 4. Michael Marrone, 5. Michael Valkanis, 6. Alex Sunasky, 7. Joel Allwright (10. Osama Malik 51-), 8. Matthew Mullen, 9. Robert Younis, 12. Francesco Monterosso (11. Shane Tobias 61-), 18. Fabian Barbiero, 21. Jason Spagnuolo
Unused Subs 40. Lucas Andreucci (gk)
Yellow Cards Sunasky 71-
Red Cards None
Goals Monterosso 20-, 28-, Younis 85-
Referee Elvis Mustaffio
