With the women’s and girl’s academy matches washed out on Sunday, it was only the men and boy’s games that took place last weekend.
In a special event the men’s first grade team faced APIA Leichhardt at Industree Group Stadium after the A-League Men’s match, while the under 20’s played earlier that day at Pluim Park.
The youth boys took on Mt Druitt at Pluim Park on Saturday as well, with matches going all day.
First grade vs APIA Leichhardt
The Central Coast Mariners NPL first grade side came up against APIA Leichhardt at 7:45pm on Saturday night, following on from the A-League match.
It was a tight start to the game, with both sides having good chances to open the scoring. Challenges were strong, with no love lost between either side in a hard-fought battle.
Miguel Di Pizio was on the end of a dangerous tackle from Michael Kouta that saw him presented a yellow card, with nothing splitting the two sides.
APIA were able to take a lead into the half time break, with a James Bayliss own goal in the 31st minute the only one of the half.
The Mariners continued to push as the second half got underway, with Cameron Windust ultimately scoring the equalising goal. Off the back of a beautiful corner, the centre defender headed it home in the 54th minute to level the scores at 1-all.
In the 67th minute the Mariners almost took the lead, with a prime chance to score going begging.
Just a minute later APIA were able to punish the mistake, with Jack Stewart scoring his sides second to hand them the lead.
Despite pushing late for an equaliser, the Mariners were unable to get a goal, falling to a 2-1 defeat.
Under 20’s vs APIA Leichhardt
The Central Coast under 20’s side were in sensational form on Saturday morning, defeating APIA 5-1 at Pluim Park.
Ben Dunbar got the Mariners underway in the 36th minute, scoring the sides first goal of the match.
Aidan Milicevic doubling our advantage in the 41st minute, giving the Mariners a 2-1 lead heading into the second half.
Our momentum only continued immediately after the break, with Zac Waddell scoring his first in the 49th minute. Three became four in the 51st minute, with Jakov Malbasa getting on the scoresheet.
The Mariners fifth and final goal came from Dylan Susovic in the 79th minute, with a consolation goal from Josh Lozzaro in the 81st minute not enough for the away side. The final score a 5-1 win and three points for the Mariners.
Youth Boys vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers
The Youth Boys played their games for the weekend on Saturday at Pluim Park, coming up against Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
The day got underway with the under 13’s, who took a 1-0 lead into the half time break. Unfortunately, a strong second half from the away side resulted in a tough 3-1 loss for the Mariners, who will look to bounce back next weekend.
Our under 14’s side also suffered a defeat, losing 2-1 in a tight contest. They will look to get back to winning ways when they face Hills United next Saturday.
The under 15’s secured a terrific win, coming away with an 8-1 victory over the Rangers. Leading 3-0 at half time the team only went from strength to strength, scoring five more goals in the second half. This continues their unbeaten start to this season with a perfect seven wins.
The under 16’s grabbed a hard fought 2-1 victory, securing a much needed three points. The scores remained unchanged after the home side took a 2-1 lead into the break, doing enough to win.
The day was rounded out in the under 18’s, who managed to turn a 1-all half time score line into a 4-2 victory. A red card for Mt Druitt in the first half left them down to ten men, with the Mariners punishing the one man advantage to secure the win.
