It was a tough weekend for the men’s and boy’s Mariners Academy’s at Pluim Park, taking on Mt Druitt Rangers and Sydney FC respectively.
In warm and trying conditions the seven teams gave it their all, leaving everything they had on the field at Pluim Park. The under 15’s and 20’s securing victories, while the under 18’s came away with a draw.
First Grade vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers
With the match already delayed due to the heat, the Mariners squared off against Mt Druitt at the new time of 3:15pm. It was decided that two drinks break would be taken per half, resulting in the game essentially being played in six, fifteen-minute periods.
The Mariners got off to the ideal start after dominating the opening passages of play, with Sasha Kuzevski scoring the first goal of the match in the 12th minute. The fullback picking up the ball after a spectacular pass from Miguel Di Pizio, slotting it into the bottom left-hand corner.
The away side got back into the match after Anthony Frangie converted a penalty in the 39th minute. His second penalty of the match saved by Pat Beach on the stroke of half time, leaving the scores level at the break.
Just minutes after a Mariners shot rocketed off the crossbar, Nikola Skataric got the away side’s second of the match. The strike coming right before the referee called for the first drink break of the second half.
Two became four after a quick fire double from Kotaro Katsuta sealed the three points for the visitors, the final score 4-1.
The Mariners now look to get back to winning ways next Saturday, travelling down to Wollongong to take on the Wolves.
Under 20’s vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers
The Central Coast Mariners under 20’s men’s side have produced a spectacular comeback to secure the three points, coming from 2-1 down to come away with the 5-2 victory.
It was the home side who got the scoring underway, with Zachariah Waddell getting the Mariners first of the day in the 13th minute.
Two quick goals turned the match on its head, with Junyong Jin and Abdelelah Faisal scoring in the 15th and 19th minute for Mt Druitt to give them the lead.
The scores remained unchanged going into the second half, with the Mariners looking to turn the match around.
Goals to Dylan Susovic, Jacob Tresoglavic and a double from Jakov Malbasa left the Mariners 5-2 up in the 82nd minute, giving them a deserved three points.
The team now prepare for a trip to Wollongong, aiming to secure a third consecutive victory.
Youth Boys vs Sydney FC
On a warm Saturday at Pluim Park, our youth boys academy came up against Sydney FC. Matches across five age groups kicked off from 8:30am, with the final game at 3pm.
The under 13’s got the day underway, with a tough match against Sydney FC ending in an 11-0 loss. Our under 14’s side also going down, losing 2-0.
The Under 15’s team secured a big 4-0 win, after leading by one at the break. The three unanswered goals resulting in their fifth straight win to kick off the season, holding 15 points alongside a plus fifteen goal difference. The side still narrowly in second, with the team keeping pace with first place Wanderers.
Next up was the under 16’s, who unfortunately fell to a 4-1 loss. Sydney able to score two goals in the second period after taking a 2-1 lead into the break, sealing them the three points.
The under 18’s were able to produce a brave draw, coming from 1-0 down at half time to secure a point. A second half strike enough to hand us our second draw of the season to date. The result the first points that Sydney FC have dropped all season, keeping our side in third place.
All teams travel to Marconi Stadium to face the Stallions next Saturday, aiming to secure some important results.
