Nick Montgomery and the NPL2 Men’s team will be hoping for a return to winning ways on Saturday when they face St. George City FA on the road.
Losses to Hakoah and St. George FC in the past two rounds have seen the boys drop to fourth, but they will be ready for a big clash against their third-placed opponents this weekend.
“We’re expecting a physical game against an experienced team on Saturday,” Montgomery said.
“It’s been a disappointing last two games.”
“We’ve given away too many silly goals from mistakes that can be avoided.”
The side went into half-time last week 3-0 down after a tough first 45 but rallied back to 3-3 before a last-gasp winner from St. George stole the points, and Montgomery said he was impressed with the way his team got themselves back into the contest.
“We showed good character last week and deserved at least a point in the end but lost concentration and got hit with a sucker punch in the last minute of the game,” he said.
Injuries and A-League callups have changed the look of the side this year, with a number of youngsters putting in strong performances to help the side get into the top four.
“Dean Larson has stepped up from U/20’s and been very consistent,” Montgomery highlighted on Friday.
“Jing Reec playing as a striker has impressed and for a young boy has done a great job for us in absence of [Damian] Tsekenis through injury and [Alou] Kuol, [Jordan] Smylie and Matty Cahill since they’ve moved on.”
Meanwhile on Sunday, Dan Barrett and the NPL2 Women’s team will be aiming to close the gap to the top four when they take on Marconi in all grades away from home.
NPL2 Men’s | Saturday, 8th May @ Poulton Park
1st Grade – St. George City FA v Central Coast Mariners – 6pm
U/20’s – St. George City FA v Central Coast Mariners – 4pm
NPL2 Women’s | Sunday, 9th May @ Marconi Stadium No. 2
1st Grade – Marconi Stallions v Central Coast Mariners – 3pm
Reserves – Marconi Stallions v Central Coast Mariners – 1:05pm
U/17’s – Marconi Stallions v Central Coast Mariners – 11:25am
U/15’s – Marconi Stallions v Central Coast Mariners – 9:55am
U/14’s – Marconi Stallions v Central Coast Mariners – 8:30am
NPL Youth | Saturday, 8th May @ Ernie Smith Reserve
U/18’s – SD Raiders v Central Coast Mariners – 2:30pm
NPL Youth | Monday, 10th May @ Ernie Smith Reserve
U/15’s – SD Raiders v Central Coast Mariners – 7:20pm
U/14’s – SD Raiders v Central Coast Mariners – 6:00pm
NPL Youth | Tuesday, 11th May @ Ernie Smith Reserve
U/16’s – SD Raiders v Central Coast Mariners – 7:20pm
U/13’s – SD Raiders v Central Coast Mariners – 6:00pm
