The Central Coast Mariners men’s and boy’s academy had a largely successful weekend, picking up five wins across seven matches.
Despite dominating large patches of the match, the Mariners first grade side fell to Sydney FC 3-1 on Sunday night. The under 20’s picked up an important win, securing the three points with a 3-1 victory.
Only one of our boys sides lost to Sutherland Sharks on Saturday, with the teams picking up 12 of a possible 15 points.
First Grade vs Sydney FC
Central Coast Mariners men’s first grade team fell to a tough 3-1 loss against Sydney FC at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday night.
Originally meant to be played in the afternoon, the match was delayed late last week due to expected high temperatures. Several players backing up after a long trip to Mudgee for our A-League match.
It was an even contest early, with both sides having chances to open the scoring. Only top class keeping kept the scores to nil, with Sydney finally breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute through Alen Harbas.
The Mariners were quick to hit back, after what appeared to be a play straight from the training park of the Mariners Centre of Excellence. Sasha Kuzevski finding himself on the end of the move, slotting it home to draw the scores level at 1-all in the 39th minute.
After some back and forth football to begin the second 45 minutes the Mariners soon took control, having numerous attempts and corners. The pressure continuously mounting on Sydney FC, with the away side going close on numerous occasions.
Against the run of play Sydney were awarded a penalty after Maksim Kasalovic was judged to have fouled Harbas, with the striker scoring to give his side the lead in the 80th minute.
With the Mariners pushing for an equaliser, the home side scored the sealing goal, with substitute Mitchell Glasson slotting in his sides third.
The side will now look to get back to winning ways at home this weekend, as we come up against Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
Under 20’s vs Sydney FC
The Central Coast Mariners secured a dominant win in the under 20’s competition on Sunday afternoon against Sydney FC, coming out 3-1 victors at Valentine Sports Park.
The side got off to the perfect start possible, with Jakov Malbasa scoring our opening goal in the fourth minute. We had to wait until the 65th minute to score another, this time through the boot of Dylan Susovic.
Down 2-0 and with time beginning to run out it went from bad to worse for the home side, with captain Dejan Bakrdanikoski sent off for a second yellow card offense.
A second for Susovic in the 86th minute sealed the victory for the Mariners, a well-earned win on the road. Sydney did score a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Bailey Callaghan, with it not being enough as the Mariners secured a 3-1 victory.
The Central Coast play host to Mt Druitt Town Rangers next weekend, looking to secure back-to-back wins.
Youth Boys vs Sutherland Sharks FC
It was a positive weekend for the youth boy’s academy, picking up wins across four of the five age groups.
The day started off well for the under 13’s, picking up their first win of the season. The 1-0 victory an important one as they look to kick start their campaign.
The under 14’s also secured their first win of the season, coming away 5-3 winners at Seymour Shaw Synthetic. Level 2-all at the break, a strong second half secured them the three points, pushing the side up into ninth on the ladder.
The under 15’s secured an incredible win over the Sharks, keeping their perfect four wins from four record intact. One goal in the second half enough as the side kept a clean sheet, the 1-0 victory keeping them in second behind the Wanderers on goal difference.
Our under 16’s side fell to a tough 3-1 loss in the early afternoon, the clubs only defeat of the day. The side sit in 12th after four games, however have time to pick up some momentum as we move into the rest of the season.
The day finished off with a bang for the Mariners, with the under 18’s coming back from 2-1 behind at half time to secure all three points. The 3-2 win pushing them up into fourth place, a well-earned result after a big effort.
All teams now turn their eyes to a massive Saturday at home against Sydney FC, looking to collect as many points as possible.
