The Central Coast Mariners Men’s NPL sides got off to an excellent start on the weekend with strong results against Blacktown Spartans and Western Sydney Wanderers.
After strong results from the youth boys against Spartans, last season’s Grand Final winning teams took on Wanderers and came away with two big results at Pluim Park.
The goals were shared around in U/20’s as Dean Larson, Ezra Palombini and Zac Barbatano all got on the scoresheet, before James Bayliss scored a double and Damien Tsekenis added a goal in first grade’s comfortable 3-0 victory.
1st Grade Head Coach Nick Montgomery said post-game it was a focus for the team to get their campaign off to a strong start, and he was impressed with the way they went about it.
FT | A James Bayliss double and a goal from Damien Tsekenis ensure we kick off our #NPL2 1st Grade season with a 3-0 win over Wanderers. #CCMFC
U/20'S: CCM 3 – 0 WSW
? Scott Gardiner pic.twitter.com/Cizw5of67s— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 6, 2021
“It was important we got off to a good start in our first home game,” he said.
“There was a big impact on our squad with so many of last season’s team in the A-League squad as well as Matty [2020 Golden Booth Matt Cahill] out on loan in Hong Kong.”
“Overall I was delighted with the team’s performance and I felt we dominated a very good experienced Wanderers team.”
“They came with the strongest team possible including players like Grozos, Mourdoukoutas, Lesiotis and O’Doherty who all have good a league experience.”
Awesome support from the Academy last night! ??#CCMFC #WontBackDown #PinkRound https://t.co/nqsNZCF84C
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 9, 2021
NPL Youth Boys Results – Round 1 against Blacktown Spartans
Under 13: 5-0 win (Fynn Sadler (3), Harper Ryles, Quinlan Barr)
Under 14: 1-0 win (Kirby Wilding)
Under 15: 2-3 loss (Kurtis White (2))
Under 16: 2-2 draw (Bailey Brandtman, Own Goal)
Under 18: 0-0 draw
NPL2 Men Results – Round 1 against Western Sydney Wanderers
Under 20: 3-0 win (Dean Larson, Ezra Palombini, Zac Barbatano)
1st Grade: 3-0 win (James Bayliss (2), Damien Tsekenis)
