Nick Montgomery’s NPL2 Men’s side burst into the competition top four on Sunday afternoon with a convincing 4-2 win against NWS Spirit at Pluim Park.
Image: Scott Gardiner
Goals to Lewis Miller, Harry McCarthy, Jing Reec and Jordan Smylie sealed the fourth win in a row for the side, and Montgomery was pleased with the performance albeit disappointed to concede twice.
“A very good performance but we had two sloppy goals conceded in the first half on a wet and fast Pluim surface,” he said.
“We had enough chances to go in ahead at the break but I told the boys at half time to keep playing at the same intensity and in the second half we would create a lot of chances.”
“That was the case and by the end it could have been a lot more comfortable against a good Spirit side who challenged us on the day.”
With six rounds to play the Mariners are firmly in the hunt for promotion, with a number of faces returning to the squad also from A-League duties.
That depth could prove critical and Monty said it will be important through the home stretch of the campaign.
“We have some good momentum coming now in the back end of the season.”
“With a few players back in for the first time this season, we have a strong squad and fresh legs who can make an impact off the bench.”
Our NPL2 Women’s side fell to a 2-0 loss against Northbridge Bulls, with the visitors scoring twice in the middle of the first half before holding out in the second stanza to record the victory.
NPL2 Men v NWS Spirit
First Grade: 4-2 win (Lewis Miller, Harry McCarthy, Jing Reec, Jordan Smylie)
U/20’s: 5-2 win (Lachlan Bayliss (3), Daniel Bressan, Zac Waddell)
NPL2 Women v Northbridge Bulls
First Grade: 2-0 loss
Reserve Grade: 1-0 loss
U/17’s: 2-0 loss
U/15’s: 1-1 draw (Zoe Henderson)
U/14’s: 2-1 win (Claire Denning, Eliza Familton)
NPL Youth v Marconi Stallions
U/18’s: 4-1 loss (Chris Lennon)
U/16’s: 2-1 loss (Jerome Abrahams)
U/15’s: 1-1 draw (Kurtis White)
U/14’s: 2-1 win (Monty Peppel, Jai Rose)
U/13’s: 3-0 win (Harrison Jablonski, Harper Ryles, Fynn Sadler)
