It was a largely successful weekend for the Mariners Boy’s and Men’s Academy, facing off against Sydney United 58, APIA Leichhardt and Wollongong Wolves FC.
Sunday started with the Youth Boy’s taking on APIA Leichhardt across the five grades, collecting three wins from the matches. The U20’s and first grade were able to secure full points shortly after against Sydney United, rounding off a pleasing day of football.
The Under 15’s also played a catch-up game, travelling down to Wollongong yesterday in the hunt of keeping their undefeated streak alive.
First grade vs Sydney United 58
Off the back of three matches undefeated, including a brilliant 3-1 win over Rockdale Ilinden last weekend, the Central Coast Mariners faced off against Sydney United 58 in a massive match at Pluim Park.
The Mariners started off brightly, looking dangerous off the back of multiple corners. It was however the away team who got the scoring underway, with Sydney United awarded a penalty.
Christopher Payne made no mistakes from the spot, converting from 12 yards out in the 34th minute to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Despite having numerous other chances, the Mariners were unable to get an equaliser before the break, heading into half time trailing 1-0.
Valiant defending and strong goalkeeping from the Mariners kept the home side in it, as they continued to push for their first of the match.
A stray boot that connected with the face from Andreas Agamemnonos saw Central Coast awarded a penalty, with Lachlan Bayliss stepping up. Our leading goal scorer this season made no mistake, smashing it home in the 87th minute.
Just two minutes later the Mariners went on to score a winner, with George Daniel collecting his first of the season. A beautiful cross was finished off well by the youngster, giving the Mariners a 2-1 victory.
The three points pushes the Mariners up to 12th place, with a win this weekend against 13th place Manly likely to see the squad move even further up the ladder.
Under 20’s vs Sydney United 58
The Central Coast Mariners under 20’s men’s side got back to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Sydney United 58 2-0 at Pluim Park.
After heading into the break with the scores locked at nil-all, the Mariners came out firing to begin the second half. A 48th minute goal to Taye Hedley gave the Central Coast a 1-0 lead, taking control of the match.
From there the side doubled their advantage shortly after, with Mohamed Bility getting on the score sheet for his first of the game. That goal coming in the 52nd minute, giving the Mariners a 2-0 lead.
Strong defence saw the scores unchanged for the remainder of the match, with the Mariners taking an important three points out of the fixture.
The result means that the Mariners finish the round in fifth place, sitting on twenty points and six wins from 12 matches. They do have a game in hand on all but one side currently above them.
Youth Boy’s vs APIA Leichhardt
The Central Coast Mariners youth boy’s academy sides faced off against APIA Leichhardt on Sunday at Pluim Park in round 11 of the League One Youth Boys competition.
The day got underway with the under 13’s, kicking off at 8:30am. Trailing 1-0 at the break, a tough second half saw the team eventually go down 6-1. Jarvis Tipping was a standout for the Central Coast, making the team of the week.
The under 14’s played next, heading into half time with work to do as they trailed 2-1. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts they were unable to turn things around after the break, falling 4-2. Adhar Yaac was the star performer up top for the side, making the team of the week.
The under 15’s played two games over the past few days, with the first match against APIA on Sunday. Locked at nil-all at the break, the undefeated side scored their winner, taking a 1-0 victory away from the match. The side then travelled to Wollongong on Wednesday, aiming to make it two wins in four days.
Again drawing at half time, this time 1-all, the Mariners flexed their muscles in the second period to record a 4-1 win. Max Stefanaras and Jared Williams were two stand outs, who both made the team of the week.
Our under 16’s side faced off against Leichhardt at 1:15pm, looking to record an important victory. With the scores level at 1-all at the conclusion of the first half, the side showed their strength shortly after. Two unanswered second half goals gave them the victory, with Key Schumacher, Max Miller and Jesse Mantell all making the team of the week.
The day was rounded out with a dominant victory for the under 18’s, who continue their strong start to the season. Currently in fourth place after 11 matches, the team ran out to a 2-0 lead heading into the break. Two became four by full time, as the side collected their fifth win of the season. Adam Hill was a standout up front, making the team of the week.
