The Central Coast Mariners Men’s and Boy’s academy sides are back in action this weekend, with all team’s travelling away.
The two men’s sides head to to Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon, aiming to collect points in what promises to be challenges matches.
The Youth Boy’s will instead take the field at Cromer Park, facing off against Manly United across the five grades on Saturday.
First Grade vs Rockdale Ilinden
The Central Coast Mariners NPL Men’s first grade side have put in some pleasing performances over the last fortnight, collecting two draws against St George FA and Sydney Olympic.
Despite taking the lead twice last weekend, the Mariners had to settle for a point at Industree Group Stadium, putting on a pleasing spectacle for Central Coast fans at the conclusion of the A-League Men’s match.
Goals to Miguel Di Pizio and Lachlan Bayliss secured the 2-all draw, with the side sitting in 15th after 11 rounds. A win this weekend could see the team climb numerous places, however they do face a tough challenge.
Our opponent’s Rockdale Ilinden currently sit in second place on the NPL NSW Men’s first grade ladder, just one point behind league leaders APIA Leichhardt after a little over a third of the season.
They have however been on a tough run of form of late, losing to both Marconi Stallions and Bulls FC Academy over the last week, seeing the side lose top spot. Kick-off is at 3pm at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre, with the game to be streamed live and free on NPL.tv.
Under 20’s vs Rockdale Ilinden
After missing last weekend’s game against Sydney Olympic due to a washout, the Central Coast Mariners men’s under 20’s side are back this weekend in what promises to be an enthralling contest.
Currently on a five-game undefeated streak, the under 20’s have found some pleasing form. Currently sitting in fourth place with a game still in hand, this run has included comprehensive victories over APIA Leichhardt, Mt Druitt Rangers and Sydney FC.
In our way sit second placed Rockdale Ilinden, who have also had a strong start to the season. Before last weekend the side had been on a three-game win streak, however this came to a halt after a 2-1 loss to league leaders Marconi Stallions.
With the Mariners aiming to continue to stay within touching distance of the league leaders and Rockdale wanting to regain first place as we approach the halfway point of the competition, expect a brilliant battle when play kicks off at 1pm on Sunday.
Youth Boys vs Rockdale Ilinden
After missing out on a trip to Wollongong last weekend due to the weather, the Youth Boys are back this Saturday as they travel to Sydney to take on Manly United.
The day will get underway with the under 13’s at 8:30am, with the Mariners looking to find some form after a tough start to the season.
Currently in 16th place with work to do, they come up against 9th placed Manly United with a vital three points on the line for both sides.
Next up will be the under 14’s, who will be looking to rocket up the league ladder when they come up against Manly United at 10:05am.
Currently sitting just two points behind the home side in 12th place, whoever wins this matchup will see themselves higher on the table then the other come the full time whistle.
The under 15’s kick off 11:40am, keen to bounce back after dropping their first points of the season against Hills United a fortnight ago.
Currently still undefeated and with a game in hand, the side still sit in second place. Our opponents have had a tough star to 2023, picking up just one point from their opening seven matches.
At 1:15pm the under 16’s will begin their game, looking to keep their three-match win streak alive after a dominant 8-1 win over Hills in their last fixture.
They do face a stern challenge, coming up against league leaders Manly United. Sitting in eighth on the competition ladder with a game in hand, a win will see the Mariners maintain a close reach to the top of the table.
The final match of the day will see the under 18’s aim to continue a seven-game undefeated run which sees them sit in fifth on the competition ladder with a game in hand.
Their last match saw a tight 2-all draw against Hills United, the team’s third draw of the season. They come up against a Manly United side currently in 11th, having won two of their first nine games.
