The Central Coast Mariners Women’s and Girl’s Academy’s got underway for 2023 on Sunday, with matches being played from under 14’s all the way up to first grade.
The first grade and under 20’s sides travelled to Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre to face off against St George FC, coming away with a 3-2 win and a 1-0 loss respectively.
In the Girls Youth competitions, the under 15’s and 16’s secured the three points with dominant wins, while the under 14’s had a tough 4-0 loss.
First Grade vs St George FC
The Central Coast Mariners Women’s Academy First Grade side have come away with a 3-2 victory to begin their 2023 campaign.
The score line not reflective of the dominance shown by our side throughout the match, with the team showing what they can do this season.
Central Coast got off to the best possible start, converting early momentum into a goal through Chloe Smith. The Mariner rounding St George’s goalkeeper Alexandra Hinson, slotting it into the bottom corner to give the side a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
The Mariners continued to apply the pressure, with one soon turning into two. This time it was captain Chloe Smith who scored, clinically finishing past the St George keeper to give her side a 2-0 lead in the 24th minute.
St George were quick to hit back, after it was deemed that a Mariners defender had pushed over one of the home side’s forward in the box.
Caitlin Campbell converting from the spot, drawing one back in the 26th minute. The score would stay the same until the half time break.
After continuing to dominate the fixture the Mariners got their third, after some lovely work from Junior Matilda Ava Carlson. The youngster crossing for Smith, who secured her brace to hand the Mariners a 3-1 lead in the 82nd minute.
St George were given a lifeline again after the referee awarded the home side another penalty, with Campbell finishing from the spot. The 89th minute strike ultimately only a consolation goal, with the Mariners securing the 3-2 win.
The Central Coast will travel to Cook Park next week looking for back-to-back wins, set to face off against Nepean FC.
Under 20’s vs St George FC
The Central Coast Mariners under 20’s women’s side have fallen to a tough 1-0 loss, the result not reflective of the match.
Despite dominating for a majority of the game, the Mariners were unable to break down St George’s defence.
The home side scoring a goal from a dead ball free kick in the 12th minute, Dina Kamoun converting to hand her side the lead. From then the Mariners pushed in search of an equaliser, having numerous chances to draw the scores level.
St George ultimately holding on despite the Mariners best efforts to get back into the match, with last years champions securing the three points.
The Central Coast will have an immediate chance to grab their first three points of the season next Sunday, scheduled to come up against Nepean FC.
Girl’s Youth vs St George FC
Despite a tough start it was ultimately a successful day for the Mariners girl’s youth academy, securing six of a possible nine points from two victories.
The under 14’s got the day started, falling 4-0 in a difficult fixture against St George City. After leading 1-0 at half time the home side continued to apply pressure throughout, scoring three more goals before the full-time whistle.
Our under 15’s side got us the clubs first win of the day, securing the three points with a 3-0 victory. Taking a 1-0 lead into half time, the Mariners put the game to bed with two second half goals.
The under 16’s rounded out the day, winning 2-0 in their first game of the season. After scoring once in the first half the Mariners got the job done with a second, wrapping up the three points.
The Youth Girl’s will next travel to Cook Park to face Nepean FC, with all three teams eyeing important victories next Sunday.
