After hitting the road last weekend, the Mariners Academy sides returned to familiar surroundings at Pluim Park against SD Raiders, Northern Tigers and Sydney FC with some mixed but still impressive results across the board.
Women’s:
Unfortunately, the 13’s were postponed against SD Raiders this weekend but across the board our Academy sides picked up some extremely impressive results at home.
The 14’s started the day with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Raiders while the 15’s played out a close 2-1 game with the Yellow and Navy picking up the three points at Pluim Park.
In the final Youth game of the day on Sunday, the Mariners 16’s defeated the Raiders 16’s in a high-scoring 5-2 victory to round out the afternoon at home.
Despite some good results in our Youth Grades, the 20’s side were defeated 2-1 by SD Raiders in a close and great encounter by the two sides.
After batting hard in previous weeks and not having the results to show for all the hard work in previous matches, Pete Preston wanted his side to bounce back with a strong performance against SD Raiders.
Captain and frequent goal-scorer Kaitlin Murphy kicked off the scoring for Central Coast Mariners with her goal that set the standard for the rest of the game for the Yellow and Navy.
Next, it was Indianna Auddino who found the back of the net for the first time this season, helping the Mariners record the three points at Pluim Park.
The visitors, SD Raiders did find the back of the net through Rojin Polat but it wasn’t enough for them to take three points against a hard-fought Yellow and Navy side.
“It was a good and very strong performance against a well-organised team,” Preston said post-game.
“The girls played really well, and I am happy with the performance, it was an excellent bounce-back after a defeat last week.
“The side is building nicely, and we are looking to continue our form throughout the rest of the season.
Men’s:
Our Youth Boys were pitted against fellow A-League Men club Sydney FC and it was a mixed bag of results for all Youth sides. The 13’s started the day with a heavy 8-1 loss against the Sky Blues while the 14’s picked up a 3-2 win in a high-scoring clash.
Next, the 15’s backed up the 14’s 3-2 win with a 4-2 win over Sydney while the 16’s and 18’s lost 5-1 and drew 2-2 respectively. While the 20’s continued their own good run of form with a 3-1 win over Northern Tigers 20’s, the first grade Mariners side would produce the shock result of the day.
After a high-tempo and fast paced opening 10 minutes, Lachlan Bayliss found the net once again with a tremendous finish from outside the area after Dor Jok found the winger with a brilliant ball.
Previously being the provider, Jok was next to add his name onto the scoresheet as he pounced on a shot from Jackson Khoury. However, the Tigers pulled one back immediately after the match recommenced from the centre spot in a back and forth first 45 at Pluim Park.
Again, it was the case of a player who netted prior to the Mariners 3rd goal at Pluim Park grabbing an assist as Bayliss slipped in behind Harry McCarthy who restored the two-goal lead with a deft finish past Elliot Carwardine.
Three became four just before 60 minutes of action as Jok grabbed his second of the afternoon when the winger once again was on-hand to clean up scraps left behind by the Tigers defence with Sasha Kuzevski’s shot delflected into the striker’s lap.
Speaking to Academy Media after the conclusion of the 4-1 win over the league leaders, Mariners Academy Head-Coach, Andrew Christiansen was delighted with his side.
“It was an excellent performance against an extremely strong opposition,” Andrew Christiansen said to Tom Pombart.
“We showed great desire and heart to defend, and we took our chances well.
“I want us to try and make our performances consistent regardless of the quality of the opponent.”
Check out next week’s fixtures here
Full Central Coast Mariners Academy Results:
Men’s:
Central Coast Mariners 13’s 1 – 8 Sydney FC 13’s
Central Coast Mariners 14’s 3 – 2 Sydney FC 14’s
Central Coast Mariners 15’s 4 – 2 Sydney FC 15’s
Central Coast Mariners 16’s 1 – 5 Sydney FC 16’s
Central Coast Mariners 18’s 2 – 2 Sydney FC 18’s
Central Coast Mariners 20’s 3 – 1 Northern Tigers FC 20’s
Central Coast Mariners 1st Grade 4 – 1 Northern Tigers FC 1st Grade
Women’s:
Central Coast Mariners 14’s 2 – 0 SD Raiders 14’s
Central Coast Mariners 15’s 2 – 1 SD Raiders 15’s
Central Coast Mariners 16’s 5 – 2 SD Raiders 16’s
Central Coast Mariners 20’s 1 – 2 SD Raiders 20’s
Central Coast Mariners 1st Grade 2 – 1 SD Raiders 1st Grade
Men’s Catch Up Matches:
Central Coast Mariners 14’s 2-1 Blacktown Spartans 14’s
Central Coast Mariners 15’s 4-2 Manly United 15’s
Central Coast Mariners 18’s 3-4 Marconi Stallions 18’s
