This weekend will see both academy sides back on the road as the men take on Blacktown Spartans FC and the women will have a challenge ahead of them, playing two matches in 24 hours.
St George FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women (Rd 2 – Washout)
UNSW FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women (Rd 11)
After claiming all three points at home to Inter Lions last week, the women’s academy will be eager to keep the momentum rolling with a six point weekend. The women travel to St George Stadium to take on St George FC in their washed-out round 2 match, and backing up 24 hours later at Seymour Shaw against UNSW FC.
Squad depth will be tested in a side that has been plagued by injuries and illness throughout the season. With both St George FC & UNSW FC sitting in the bottom 3 of the NPL 2 ladder, two wins from this weekend will not only give the women a whole lot of confidence but will also put them back in the chase for the top 4.
UNSW FC have not won since the opening weekend of the women’s NPL 2 and have only scored three goals in their last five games while conceding 24. The side will be hoping a return to home will bring a positive mentality heading into this game. St George have also suffered similar form but were able to get their first win of the season last week as they defeated Southern Branch FC.
Last week’s academy side: Gabrielle Blanch, Leisel Collins, Jordyn Drysdale, Laura Mah, Jade Mcatamney, Kaitlin Murphy, Katie Oliveira, Elizabeth Shorter, Iona Snape, Mikala Tucker, Danielle Wise
Match Details
Saturday 18th May 2019
NSW NPL 2 Women’s Round 2
Match: St George FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women
Venue: St George Stadium, St George
Kick Off: 3:00pm
Sunday, 19th May 2019
NSW NPL 2 Women’s Round 11
Match: UNSW FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women
Venue: Seymour Shaw, Miranda
Kick Off: 3:00pm
Blacktown Spartans FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Men
With both sides level on points, this fixture is shaping up to be a key battle for the top 6 in the NPL 2. The men will be hoping striker Jordan Smylie can get back to his scoring ways and despite recent results, the quality of the men’s performance of late means they will be tough competition for the Spartans on Saturday.
The Spartans have not been able to find the consistency needed to break from the chasing pack. After a tough defeat last week to North Shore Mariners, the Spartans will be raring to go at home as they look to leapfrog the men’s academy.
It is a pivotal clash for the men as the NPL 2 season reaches its halfway point and three points for the academy will create momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Last week’s academy team: Munford (GK), Vinci, Glassock (c), Miller, Valentine, Nisbet, Belkadi, Ruiz-Diaz, Katsoulis, Johnson, Smylie
Match Details
Saturday, 18th May 2019
NSW NPL 2 Round 12
Match: Blacktown Spartans FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy
Venue: Blacktown Football Park, Rooty Hill
Kick Off: 7:00pm
