Central Coast Mariners WNPL Academy sides enjoyed a stellar afternoon of results this last weekend with wins across all age groups in the WNPL2, the highlight being the U15’s with a resounding 5-0 victory.
Meanwhile the U16’s also enjoyed a comfortable victory with a resounding 5-2 victory over Mt Druitt.
However, things were tighter for the U20’s side who were able to secure a hard-fought 2-1 win while the U14’s cruised to a 3-1 victory.
See the upcoming Mariners W/NPL Fixtures
In the senior ranks, Central Coast Mariners first-grade squad played Mt Druitt and opened the scoring early on after some excellent interplay through the midfield which saw Candice Phelan net a tidy finish after a superb ball from Bella De Meyer but unfortunately Central Coast were pinned back later on in the half after miscommunication at the back led to an own-goal.
The second half started how the first ended with the Yellow and Navy creating countless chances all-while continuing to push for a winner.
It was one change that unlocked the key to victory for WNPL Head-Coach Pete Preston.
Rachel Glendenning was substituted on late as she looked to become the hero for her team-mates and made an impact with the clock ticking down as she finished off a tidy move putting Central Coast up 2-1 late in the match against Mt Druitt.
But it wasn’t all dead and buried for Glendenning as she sealed the 3-1 victory with a peach of a goal with the final kick off the game.
Speaking after the game, Preston was delighted with how his team performed in the opening match of the season.
“It was a great all-round team performance to start the season.” Preston said.
FULL WNPL RESULTS:
Central Coast Mariners 14’s 3-1 Mt Druitt 14’s
Central Coast Mariners 15’s 5-0 Mt Druitt 15’s
Central Coast Mariners 16’s 5-2 Mt Druitt 16’s
Central Coast Mariners 20’s 2-1 Mt Druitt 20’s
Central Coast Mariners 1st Grade 3-1 Mt Druitt 1st Grade
The Yellow and Navy Women’s Academy are back in action next weekend against Northbridge Bulls FC from Valentine Sports Park, with the U14’s kicking off at 8:50am and first grade concluding the day at 3:30pm.
The NPL Academy will begin their season next week and play their last trial match with new coach, Andrew Christiansen.
