In a crazy sequence of events that saw two Central Coast Mariners Academy players sent off and three penalties conceded, our first-grade academy boys suffered a 4-1 defeat to Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
Central Coast Mariners Academy 1 (Kekeris 14’) Mt Druitt Town Rangers 4
FT | 1-4 | A tough result to finish the day. After scoring first, our nine-man #CCMFC Academy team conceded three penalties and had two players sent off, to fall to Mt Druitt. Wins to 18’s & 20’s keep us top of the all important Club Championship. Heads up, lads! #NPLNSW pic.twitter.com/cmCzJAsS1j
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 4, 2018
It was a crucial day for the Central Coast Mariners academy across 18’s, 20’s and first grade in the race for NPL 1 promotion. Thankfully, the 18’s and 20’s sealed wins that see us hold a four-point lead in first place on the Club Championship.
After two clutch wins in the 18’s and 20’s, our first-grade side were off to a flying start when Josh Nisbet played Peter Kekeris in the 14th minute. With plenty still to do, Kekeris broke down the pitch and showed composure beyond his years to make it 1-0.
All four academy players who were called into FFA Cup action on Wednesday evening were on hand to back up on Saturday at Pluim Park. But then, from the 37th minute the game spun out of control.
In less than 10 minutes, Mt Druitt converted three penalties and Academy Captain, Michael Glassock was shown red. The Mariners Academy went into the break down 3-1 with a one man deficit.
In the 53rd minute it became an even tougher proposition for the Yellow & Navy who went down to nine men.
Our young Mariners showed guts and determination to hang on, only to concede one goal with just nine men on the pitch in the 81st minute. The game ended 4-1 in favour of Mt Druitt.
The Mariners narrowly remain in top spot of the Club Championship with three games to be played of the season against North Shore Mariners, St George FC & Hills United.
Earlier results
- U18’s WON 20
- U20’s WON 10
Central Coast Mariners Academy Women 5 Gladesville Ravens 2
Congrats to ALL of our women's academy teams who have finished off their regular seasons by securing their places in the finals! ??
Candice Phelan finishes her season as the league's Golden Boot winner with an incredible 43 goals in 22 games! #CCMFC #NPLNSW pic.twitter.com/odiarCH4fw
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 5, 2018
The Central Coast Mariners Academy women’s teams rounded off an outstanding season by securing places in finals football for ALL SIX teams with emphatic wins over Gladesville Ravens.
The 14’s WON 6-1 (finished third) the 15’s WON 4-0 (finished fifth) the 17’s WON 6-1 (finished second), Reserve Grade WON 11-1 (Finished X) and First Grade WON X (finished second).
It means the Mariners senior women finish the season in second place on the Club Championship behind Sydney Olympic, narrowly missing out on promotion to NPL 1.
Leading from the front, Candice Phelan finished the season with 44 goals in 22 games, failing to score in just three games across the entire season.
The First-Grade side capped of their successful season with a come from behind 5-2 win.
After conceding early, a brace to 15-year-old Iona snape, an own goal and goals to Candice Phelan, Jade Macatmney was enough to claim three points.
Congratulations to Dan Barrett and the Central Coast Mariners Academy women’s staff and commitment of the players for all sealing their places in finals football.
