It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for our academy sides as the women beat Southern Branch FC 5-3 whilst the men fell 1-0 to Hills United.
Central Coast Mariners Academy Women 5 (Collins 15th, Wise 18th, 73rd, Blanch 65th, 68th) Southern Branch FC 3
In a crucial match for Dan Barrett’s side, the women triumphed in emphatic fashion as they won an eight goal thriller at Pluim Park.
It was a bright start for the girls with two goals coming within the first twenty minutes by Leisel Collins and Danielle Wise. A strong first half performance by the women would go unrewarded as Southern Branch managed to pull two back and level the tie before the break.
After the break the home team quickly shifted momentum when skipper Gabrielle Blanch scored a quickfire double in the 65th and 68th minute to give the academy side some breathing space. Danielle Wise secured her brace shortly after in the 73rd minute that would send the Mariners onto a comfortable lead. Southern Branch managed to score a consolation in the 90th minute before the full-time whistle.
The victory build confidence ahead of an exciting clash with APIA Leichhardt next Sunday.
Earlier Results:
- U14s: DRAW 2-2
- U15s: DRAW 0-0
- U17s: WON 7-1
- Reserve Grade: WON 7-1
Hills United FC 1 Central Coast Mariners Academy 0
The men’s academy played without A-League duo Lewis Miller and Dylan Ruiz-Diaz and were unable to beat a strong Hills United side away from home.
It was an uphill battle from the start for the men as they conceded in the 6th minute. The academy boys continued to fight hard for the first half however Patrick Zwaanswijk’s men stood tall in defence.
The second half continued in the same pattern as the first with the men playing very well but were unable to find the net. Despite the good performance, Hills United came out narrow winners .
The men’s academy remains 8th on the table with an important clash against Mounties Wanderers next Saturday night.
Earlier Results:
- U18s: WON 4-0
- U20s: WON 1-0
