This weekend of NPL action saw the women’s Academy put nine past a helpless Inter Lions side with Danielle Wise netting four goals, whilst the men featured in an eight-goal thriller at Pluim Park. Across the Senior Men NPL space and women’s program from 14’s to first grade, the Academy badge went the weekend undefeated.
Inter Lions 0 vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women 9 (Wise x4, Mcatamney, Blanch, Tucker, Murphy, Collins)
In the penultimate round of NPL 2 Women’s action, Dan Barrett’s side travelled to take on Inter Lions knowing that the three points were a must if they wanted to hold onto fifth spot.
It was a cagey affair for the first half with the girls showing attacking intent from the get go. Danielle Wise continued her unbelievable form, scoring in just the 15th minute. It didn’t take long for the women to double their advantage and in the 28th minute, Jade Mcatamney grabbed her tenth of the season. The academy girls showed no sign of slowing down but could not grab a third before the half time whistle.
The second half was all Yellow and Navy with the girls able to score seven unanswered goals throughout the 45 minutes. Danielle Wise scored her second of the game in the 52nd minute and just two minutes later Gabrielle Blanch made it 4-0. Mikala Tucker, Leisel Collins and Kailtin Murphy were all able to find themselves on the score sheet before Danielle Wise rounded out the scoring with two more goals before the referee blew for full time.
Danielle Wise’s four goal haul takes her tally to 28 goals this season and poised to take out the golden boot. The win keeps the academy girls in fifth place with one foot in the finals position. The girls return to Pluim next Sunday for the final regular season game against UNSW FC.
Earlier Results:
- U14s: WON 1-0
- U15s: WON 4-0
- U17s: WON 3-2
Reserve Grade: DREW 1-1
Central Coast Mariners Academy 4 (Cahill x2, Hatch x2) Hills United 4
It was shaping up to be a difficult task for Nick Montgomery’s men as they hosted Patrick Zwaanswijk’s Hills United on Sunday afternoon.
It was a brilliant start for the academy, with Matthew Cahill scoring in the first minute of play. Unfortunately, the lead did not last for very long and Hills were able to snatch a very quick equaliser. The away side were able to use the momentum found from the equaliser and gained the lead midway through the half. The academy boys were able to create chances but could not find the finishing touch.
The second half saw the introduction of fullback Matthew Hatch in hope to spread the play out wide. The home side were caught out on the attack and Hills were able to add a third in the 65th minute. Substitute Matthew Hatch was able to give the men some hope as he pulled one back with a cool finish in the 72nd minute. It proved to be a wonderful substitution as Hatch grabbed his second and the equaliser with a wonderful shot from distance. It would seem the game was heading for a draw however, Hills took the lead at the brink of full time but with the last kick of the game, the yellow and navy were able to score another equaliser through Matt Cahill.
The draw leaves the academy boys in ninth place, just four points out from the top six with four games to play. The men are on the road next week to take on Northern Tigers on Saturday night.
Earlier Results:
- U18s: WON 2-1
- U20s: DREW 0-0
