This weekend of NPL action saw the academy boys get back to winning ways after a dominant 4-1 win away to Rydalmere Lions.
The women’s academy fixture was called off at half time due to the weather. The rescheduled date and time will be announced at a later stage.
Rydalmere Lions 1 vs. Central Coast Mariners 4 (Taouli 12’, 53’, Smylie 50’, 57’)
It was now or never for Nick Montgomery’s men if they wanted to make a push for the top six with the NPL season entering its final third.
It was a great start for the boys as Aidan Taouil found the back of the net after just twelve minutes of play. It was a difficult half as both sides were able to create opportunities but were unable to find the final product. Aidan Munford pulled off great saves to keep Rydalmere scoreless at the break.
It was a frantic start to the second half as the Lions found an equaliser in the forty-eighth minute. The men’s academy was then able to pile on three unanswered goals in seven minutes with Jordan Smylie grabbing a brace while Aidan Taouil scored his second of the match. The Yellow & Navy were able to see the game out until the full-time whistle, picking up all three points away from home.
The crucial win puts the academy boys in eighth spot, just two points out from the top six. The men will have to prove themselves next week as they return to Pluim to take on top of the table North Shore Mariners.
Earlier Results:
U18s: WON 2-0
U20s: WON 3-2