Our Central Coast Mariners Academy sides are gearing up for two crucial games in the NPL 2 this Sunday, as the women take on Inter Lions SC at home while the men face Parramatta FC away.
Central Coast Mariners Academy Women vs. Inter Lions SC Women
Our girls will be looking to bounce back after last week’s 1-0 loss as they take on Inter Lions SC at the International Football School. It was just the first time this season we’ve been held scoreless.
Last time these teams met, the Mariners’ Academy came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a strike courtesy of Candice Phelan, the competition’s lead scorer with a whopping 31 goals this season.
The Mariners’ Academy, who currently sit second on the ladder and second in the Club Championship, will be looking to keep Premiership hopes alive with a victory against 8th placed Inter Lions.
Dan Barrett knows it will be a tough contest for his team this but remains confident in their ability.
“It was a tough road trip for the girls last weekend. We came away without the points but I could not have been happier with how the girls played,” Barrett said.
“I’ll expect the same this weekend from Inter. We will have to be more clinical in front of goal and make sure things are always tight at the back. It was a tight contest last time and we must win to keep our spot on the ladder.
“I’m expecting nothing but good things from our girls. Their attitude at training this week has been second to none, they want to get back to winning ways this Sunday,” Barrett said.
Match Details
Sunday, 15 July 2018
NSW NPL 2 Round 19
Match: Central Coast Mariners Academy Women vs. Inter Lions SC
Venue: International Football School, Kariong
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Parramatta FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy
With their eyes on the Club Championship, the Mariners’ Academy Men will hope to extend their three-week unbeaten streak against Parramatta FC at Melita Stadium.
A win this week would help close the four-point gap on the NPL 2 ladder between second placed Mariners’ Academy and competition leaders Mt Druitt and solidify the Mariners Academy’s position on top of the Club Championship.
The most recent clash between these teams ended in a 2-2 draw, goals from Mariners’ Academy lead scorer Emanuel Peters and Alec Vinci were enough to deny Parramatta a win at Pluim Park.
“Last weekend’s match against Spirit was a disappointing outcome in the end,” Vazquez said. “Whilst the performance was not a long way off the level the boys have produced recently, it has shown that dropping off even in a small way can negatively impact the outcome.
“This week has been a great chance to re-group the squad and set our focus on the final run for the end of the season.
“We have continued to push the boys in training, and a few have gained some valuable experience training with the first team in these past few weeks. The group is very determined to maintain the high standard they’ve produced over these next seven rounds. Parramatta were difficult in the first round and have improved since then, so we will be expecting a very tough match away from home,” Vazquez said.
Match Details
Sunday, 15 July 2018
NSW NPL 2 Round 20
Match: Central Coast Mariners Academy Women vs. Parramatta FC
Venue: Melita Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
