Pluim Park played host to a strong round of results for the Mariners Academy teams over the weekend, including important victories for first grade in the Men’s and Women’s programs.
Image Credit: Scott Gardiner
Nick Montgomery’s NPL2 Men’s side closed the gap to the teams above them with a dominant 4-1 win against SD Raiders, as Jing Reec struck a hat trick just a week after making his A-League debut against Western United.
Jordan Smylie added a goal too as the Mariners completed a strong turnaround after initially going a goal down after just seven minutes of action.
Meanwhile, the NPL2 Women’s First Grade side caused a boilover, striking twice in the first half through Emily Diaz and Kaitlin Murphy to set up a 2-1 win over ladder leaders St. George FC, keeping them in touch with the top five.
Speaking after the win, Head Coach Dan Barrett said he was pleased with the performance and proud of a team who have struggled with injuries in recent weeks.
“I am very proud of every player on the weekend, that result was down to the players working hard in tough conditions against very strong opponents,” he said.
After a tough loss to Marconi in midweek, Barrett was pleased with how the side responded here.
“The plan was to target St. George, we always try to win every week but with being light on players due to injuries we put all our eggs in one basket, making sure we could field the strongest team possible against St. George,” Barrett said.
“We went into the Marconi game light on experience and the youngsters that played gave a good account of themselves.”
“All our upcoming games are important. There is a particular number of games I believe we need to win to make finals, so with that in mind we have targeted some matches as must wins, and anything else we pick up is a bonus.
NPL2 Men v SD Raiders
First Grade: 4-1 win (Jing Reec (3), Jordan Smylie)
U/20’s: 2-1 loss (Lachlan Bayliss)
NPL2 Women’s v St. George
First Grade: 2-1 win (Emily Diaz, Kaitlin Murphy)
Reserve Grade: 4-1 win (Candice Phelan (2), Mia McFarlane, Alyssa Togo)
U/17’s: 1-0 loss
U/15’s: 4-1 win (Alexia Karas (2), Tahlia Hirst, Natalie Davis)
U/14’s: 3-2 win (Claire Denning, Eliza Familton)
NPL Youth v Blacktown City
U/18’s: 4-0 loss
U/16’s: 1-0 loss
U/15’s: 2-1 win (William Boyle, Liam Craig)
U/14’s: 2-1 win (Bayley Black, Kirby Wilding)
U/13’s: 4-0 win (Quinlan Barr, Cooper Hall, Harper Ryles, Jye Wark)
