After a wet and wild week of weather across the eastern seaboard of Australia, our WNPL academy sides took to the pitch against Northbridge Bulls FC at the all-weather Valentine Sports Park.
Unfortunately, across the board the results did not go in favour of the Yellow and Navy.
Our senior sides were depleted due to players competing in the Australian Indigenous Koalas side in Queensland, add to this a few injuries made for a shortage of players and it made for a tough day for the WNPL teams.
Our U14’s and 15’s were very competitive, both drew against Northbridge Bulls 14s 0-0 and 15s 3-3 however the 16s lost 0-4.
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Our first grade and 20’s squad were brave in difficult circumstances with over six players joining the 20’s squad on the day. At halftime they trailed 2-0 but ultimately suffered a heavy loss with lots of goals being scored very late on with the final score being 7-0.
Despite the poor results, Central Coast Mariners are still proud of the opportunities that they can provide to younger players across all of their Academy set up.
Pete Preston’s First Grade side went down 2-0 conceding early on but worked their way back into the game. Indy Assimus had a chance to put the match level in the first half but her shot went wide and the Mariners were behind at the break.
Their resistance was finally broken when they conceded the second goal with mere minutes on the clock demonstrating their defensive prowess and work ethic across the 90 minutes.
Rihannon Hines had an impressive afternoon between the sticks for the Mariners, pulling off a few quality stops to deny the Bulls attack and keep the score respectable.
Head of Football Ken Schembri, spoke to us following the match and was delighted with the efforts of our Young Academy side.
“Throughout the 90 minutes in First Grade, we worked very hard and defended well against a top team in the Bulls. We didn’t make enough of our opportunities in the front third.” Schembri said.
“If we perform like that on a more regular basis, there will be plenty more enjoyable afternoons ahead for the girls. I am most of all, proud of our work ethic and commitment.”
FULL WNPL RESULTS:
Central Coast Mariners 14’s 0-0 Northbridge Bulls FC 14’s
Central Coast Mariners 15’s 3-3 Northbridge Bulls FC 15’s
Central Coast Mariners 16’s 0-4 Northbridge Bulls FC 16’s
Central Coast Mariners 20’s 0-7 Northbridge Bulls FC 20’s
Central Coast Mariners 1st Grade 0-2 Northbridge Bulls FC 1st Grade Grade
The Yellow and Navy are back in action next week against Sutherland with the Women kicking off at 3pm and the men facing St George in at 4pm, both games at Pluim Park.
