The Central Coast Mariners’ National Youth League (NYL) representation have suffered a courageous first up 1-0 loss to Western Australian rivals the Perth Glory in tonight’s historic first ever NYL fixture at Bluetongue Stadium.
The Central Coast Mariners- National Youth League (NYL) representation have suffered a courageous first up 1-0 loss to Western Australian rivals the Perth Glory in tonight-s historic first ever NYL fixture at Bluetongue Stadium.
Ludovic Boi-s strike on 57 minutes proved the difference between the two sides in a match that demonstrated the limitless potential of the NYL on the outstanding stage that has now been set for Australia-s best young players.
Earlier, Mariners striker Brady Smith was shown a straight red card on the half hour mark, with the yellow and navy juniors showing character and determination throughout to more than match their opponents despite their numerical disadvantage.
At the full-time whistle, Mariners Youth Development Co-ordinator Damien Brown was pleased with the effort and commitment shown by his charges, the majority of whom played together as team-mates for the first time this evening.
“I-m very proud of the boys, it was a tough initiation and particularly tough playing with a man down for 60 minutes, they certainly showed us what they were capable of,” said Brown.
“Full credit to Perth, they started well and were able to get one past us.”
The opening half at the Mariners- picturesque bay side home could best be best described as tentative.
Both sides appeared understandably nervous, with the first few opportunistic shots on goal coming from the visitors.
The young Mariners waited until the 20th minute to launch their first shot on goal – winning their first corner in the process.
Standouts for the Mariners included recently appointed captain Nathan Sherlock, who oozed composure in the heart of defence throughout, while midfielder Glen Trifiro showcased some delightful touches from midfield.
Boosted by the inclusions of Mariners first team players David D-Apuzzo, Paul O-Grady, exceptional Qantas Young Socceroo shot stopper Andrew Redmayne and Greg Owens off the substitutes bench, the home side were not without their chances to equalise, but were ultimately second best to a sharp looking Perth outfit.
The Mariners- National Youth League campaign continues away to Adelaide United on Friday, 3 October as a curtain raiser to the Mariners- Hyundai A-League clash later that evening. Kick off is at 5.15pm ahead of the main game kick off at 8pm local time.
The Mariners- National Youth League team is next on the Central Coast on Saturday, 11 October when they take on the Melbourne Victory at Lisarow-s Pluim Park. Kick off is at 3pm.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season are now on sale at www.ccmariners.com.au.
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners 30. Andrew Redmayne (gk), 3. Paul O-Grady (2. Steven Tibbetts 59-), 5. Nathan Sherlock (7. Matthew Lewis 84-), 6. David D-Apuzzo, 7. Matthew Lewis (15. Greg Owens 69-), 8. Nick Kapsis, 9. Brady Smith, 10. Glen Trifiro, 11. Darko Vidovic, 13. Laurence Braude (12. Scott Wright 59-), 17. Sean Mitchell
Unused Subs 1. Matthew Nash (gk)
Yellow Cards Sherlock 23-
Red Cards Smith 31-
Goals None
Perth Glory 1. Tando Velaphi (gk), 5. Brent Griffiths, 6. Dean Evans, 9. Anthony Skorich (13. Andrija Jukic 78-), 10. Adam Luca (12. Reece Vittiglia 59-), 11. Ludovic Boi (7. James Sammut 59-), 13. Andrija Jukic (8. Howard Fondyke 59-), 14. Nick Rizzo, 15. Scott Neville, 17. Hayden Doyle. 22. Ryan Pearson
Unused Subs 30. Frank Juric (gk)
Yellow Cards None
Red Cards None
Goals Boi 57-
Referee Matthew Gillett
