The Central Coast Mariners men’s and boy’s academy sides are back this weekend, with all seven teams playing at home.
The youth boy’s will play their matches at Pluim Park on Saturday, taking on Rockdale Ilinden across the grades. First grade and the under 20’s will then play on Sunday, hosting Marconi Stallions.
First grade vs Marconi Stallions
After going four games unbeaten in the NPL first grade competition, the Mariners came up against Manly United last weekend. The game would unfortunately be abandoned due to injury, with the two teams playing out just under 45 minutes of football.
The Central Coast now turn their attention to Marconi Stallions, looking to continue their hot streak of current form.
Currently in 13th with a game in hand, a win on Sunday could push the side up to as high as eleventh.
Three points will however not be easy, facing third placed Marconi Stallions. Sitting three points off league leaders APIA Leichhardt, the side did bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Mt Druitt with a 4-2 win over Sydney Olympic.
With two strong outfits taking each other on as we enter the midpoint of the competition, make sure to be at Pluim Park to support the Mariners. Kick-off is at 3pm, with the game also to be streamed on NPL.tv if you cannot attend.
Under 20’s vs Marconi Stallions
Following a tight 2-1 loss to Manly United in the under 20’s last Saturday night, the Central Coast Mariners are back in action this weekend.
After falling behind 2-0 thanks to goals from Oliver Burden and Marcus Lal, Dylan Susovic pulled one back for the Mariners as they looked to secure a comeback.
Ultimately it was not meant to be, dropping the side to seventh place with a game in hand.
Playing host to top of the table Marconi, both teams are actually looking to get back to winning ways. In a surprise result last weekend, it was 13th placed Sydney Olympic who secured the victory, pulling the Stallions closer to the chasing pack.
With three important points on the line as the fight for places near the top of the ladder begins to heat up, it promises to be an enthralling contest. Kick-off is at 1pm on Pluim Park field one.
Youth Boys vs Rockdale Ilinden
Saturday will see the youth boys take the field, looking to pick up as many out of the 15 available points as possible against Rockdale Ilinden on Saturday at Pluim Park.
The day will begin with the under 13’s, who are looking to get their season back on track after a slow start to the year. They take on sixth placed Rockdale at 8:30am, keen to hopefully secure three points to leapfrog Sydney United 58 on the ladder.
The under 14’s will be up next, also aiming to get back to winning ways after a narrow loss to SD Raiders FC last weekend. They come up against 16th place Rockdale at 10:05am, looking to create a distance between the two sides.
The under 15’s are keen to keep their undefeated start to season 2023 going, with a tough task coming up at 11:40am on Saturday. Currently in second place, the team faces third placed Rockdale, with just two points splitting the sides.
After a gritty win against SD Raiders last Saturday, the under 16’s will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they kick-off at 1:15pm. Sitting in sixth place after twelve rounds, their opponents are three points and three places behind the Mariners, with the victory crucial for both teams.
The day will be rounded out by the under 18’s match up, with the Mariners coming into the match with some confidence. Wins over APIA and SD Raiders see them riding a three-match undefeated streak, currently placed fourth on the ladder. With just six points splitting third and eighth a win this weekend is crucial, as they come up against 13th placed Rockdale. The game will get underway at 3pm.
