After a frustrating 2-1 loss to the Melbourne Victory last start, the Central Coast Mariners National Youth League side is looking to make amends when it travels up the F3 for the first time in over 12 months, to tackle local rivals Newcastle Jets.
After a frustrating 2-1 loss to the Melbourne Victory last start, the Central Coast Mariners National Youth League side is looking to make amends when it travels up the F3 for the first time in over 12 months, to tackle local rivals Newcastle Jets.
Not since October 2009 have Tony Walmsley-s charges taken on their bitter rivals on their turf, and they-ll be hoping for a repeat dose of that memorable night, which saw Nik Mrdja net a hat-trick, in a 6-1 thumping.
Last Sunday, against a team packed with players with Hyundai A-League experience, the Young Mariners burst out of the blocks to take a 1-nil lead after just six minutes of play against the Melbourne Victory. Nick Fitzgerald was the beneficiary of some wonderful vision from striker-cum-winger Bernie Ibini-Isei.
After a 14 day break the Mariners could have been forgiven for looking rusty. But to their credit the fluency of passes, and enthusiasm in attack and defence was back for all to see.
Coach Tony Walmsley was philosophical after the match.
“I don-t think we deserved to lose,” said Walmsley.
“Getting the equaliser would have done us justice, so it was frustrating in that respect but the overall performance showed there are signs of real improvement.
“To be fair to the lads it was a gallant fight-back after we went behind, they showed a lot of character, and when pushed to produce they did.”
The inclement weather the Sydney basin experienced last weekend forced the postponement of the Jets- last fixture meaning it-s been a fortnight since their last outing, a scoreless draw against Perth Glory.
Matches between the Mariners and the Jets have been traditionally high scoring affairs. Indeed all thoughts of defence seem to go out the window as both sides throw everything they have at each other. The rivalry between the two is so intense that it creates an electric atmosphere for both players and spectators alike.
In the six matches to date goalkeepers have been forced to pick the ball out of the net a staggering 29 times. Both sides thrive on the opportunity to play attacking football, and for that reason alone it should be an entertaining match.
Sunday-s clash with the Newcastle Jets will be the 7th competitive clash between the two fierce rivals
Previous Meetings
Friday, 24 Oct 2008 – Central Coast Mariners 0, Newcastle Jets 4, Bluetongue Stadium
Friday, 26 Dec 2008 – Central Coast Mariners 4, Newcastle Jets 2, EnergyAustralia Stadium
Friday, 30 Jan 2009 – Central Coast Mariners 2, Newcastle Jets 1, Adamstown Oval
Friday, 23 Oct 2009 – Central Coast Mariners 6, Newcastle Jets 0, EnergyAustralia Stadium
Tuesday, 9 Feb 2010 – Central Coast Mariners 1, Newcastle Jets 4, Pluim Park
Saturday, 27 Feb 2010 – Central Coast Mariners 3, Newcastle Jets 2, Pluim Park
Newcastle Jets Youth squad: 1. Robert KOLAK (gk), 2. Sam GALLAWAY, 3. Mario SIMIC, 4. Jon GRIFFITHS, 5. Kyle EWART, 6. Luke REMINGTON, 7. Scott PETTIT, 8. Jacob PEPPER, 9. Gavin FORBES, 10. Jesse PINTO (c), 11. James VIRGILI, 12. Steven VELESKI, 13. Fabian IACOVELLI, 14. David TALEVSKI, 20. Jack DUNCAN (gk)
Central Coast Mariners Youth squad: Nik MATIC (gk), David BRADASEVIC (gk), Sam MUNRO (c), Marc WARREN, Sam GALLAGHER, Mitchell DUKE, Nick FITZGERALD, Max GLANVILLE, Brendan GRIFFIN, Bernie IBINI-ISEI, Nathan JAGELMAN, Mitchell MALLIA, Alex MANSUETO, Jimmy OATES, Adam ORMSBY.
Unavailable: Jerry KALOURIS (ankle – 1 week)
The Central Coast Mariners continue their National Youth League 2010/11 campaign when they take on Newcastle Jets this Sunday, 14 November at Adamstown Oval. Kick-off is at 4:00pm ADST.
