Off the back of some impressive performances at home, our academy sides were eager to showcase their strengths away from Pluim Park on the weekend.
Men’s:
The youth boys kicked off the weekend against Blacktown City FC in some tight contests all-round.
18’s (3-0) and 15’s (1-0) came away with a deserved three points, while the 13’s (3-3) and 16’s (1-1) managed to claim a point each. 14’s were not able to walk away with points in a 1-0 loss.
Entering Saturday evening, the 20’s began the senior contests against Mountie Wanderers FC with a commanding 4-0 victory, with all goals being shared around, thus showing their extensive scoring depth.
20’s now steers clear of Northern Tigers FC and sit alone in first place, with the result tallying their fourth clean sheet in their last five outings.
First grade indeed left the best till last with an exhilarating 6-0 thrashing to hold their first-place positioning.
Despite Mountie Wanderers coming out firing to protect their home fortress, Andrew Christiansen’s men were quick to match their opposition and eventually takeover.
In a five-minute period during the first half, Mariners bagged three goals (Bayliss 16’, Jok 18’, Kasalovic 19’), before eventually doubling their lead in the second half.
Going from strength to strength, Central Coast continue to showcase their attacking and chemistry prowess, with five different scorers listed on the scoresheet. Ezra Palombini and Harry McCarthy cruised onto the scoresheet, while Bayliss collected a double and extended his tally to 11 for the season.
Coach Christiansen was most pleased post-game with his side’s ability to use their depth and be dangerous from all parts of the ground while maintaining their defensive integrity.
“I’m pleased to see five different scorers. We have goals being scored from different players, from different parts of the field, and in different ways,” said Christiansen.
“Another clean sheet and another fantastic defensive effort again, especially away from home and against a difficult opponent.
“The boys are pushing hard, they are focused, and they deserve the results.”
First grade stays one point ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers, and will be keen to continue their dominance at home this weekend.
Women’s:
Our youth women’s sides carried on from Saturday’s Men’s performances against their opponent Nepean FC on Sunday, and sure made the most of their trip west.
14’s (3-0), and 15’s (2-1) brought home the three points, while result of the day was the 16’s in another 6-0 score line.
Special mention to our 14’s, who remain undefeated during this season and sit equal first with Sutherland Shire FA, though Sutherland’s superior goal difference keeps them atop.
Then into the seniors, our 20’s left it late to score two goals in the last ten minutes of their fixture, with the match locked at 0-0, coach Pete Edwards made some tactical swaps and the deadlock was broken courtesy of Trinity Smith in the 80th minute and Zoe Henderson securing the win five minutes later.
Despite earlier results, first grade couldn’t capitalise on the club’s momentum in a 1-0 defeat thanks to a long-range effort from Jamaica Marshall.
Peter Preston’s girls weren’t able to pierce Nepean’s strong defence, with the side under new leadership picking up their third win of the season, despite the Mariners side creating more than enough chances and striking the woodwork a number of times.
Preston was happy with his side’s performance besides their finishing in front of goal.
First grade drops to eighth on the ladder, but still remain a win off finals contention.
