The Central Coast Mariners Academy were back to winning ways on the weekend, defeating Macarthur Rams 5-2 at Pluim Park. Let’s take a look at this Saturday’s fixture which will see the Academy sides travel away to face Bankstown Berries.
Ben Cahn’s Mariners spectacular rise up the PS4 NPL 2 ladder could continue this weekend with three points potentially sealing third position in a very tightly contested competition.
Results pending, the Berries will be desperate for a win that could see them climb into the top six – making for a crucial fixture to both sides.
The Berries are coming into this weekend’s fixture after an impressive draw with the in form St.George FC. Berries attacker Daniel Fornito continued his goalscoring run, taking him to equal top goalscorer for the Berries, sitting on seven goals alongside Jake Bradshaw.
Duncan Stewart’s brace against Marcarthur saw his tally continue to rise, who now sits on 15 goals in 17 competition games for the prolific goalscorer.
This week we caught up with Jack Kuipers. Jack, who is a former Southampton Academy player has been a mainstay in recent weeks for Ben Cahn’s team, making the left back position his own.
“Playing overseas was a great experience, not only due to the cold weather but the football we played is a very different type of football,” Kuipers said. “But, in saying that, it has been a very good challenge playing here with the Mariners, stepping into a Men’s environment where I am playing against older and more physical opponents.
“Last weekend’s game was one where we had control and held a lot more possession than Macarthur. We got caught with a couple of long balls over the top which saw the visitors make the most of their two chances.
“I feel that leading into this weekend’s game we need to be brave at the back and hold a high line, as well as just being switched on all game to deal with their attackers.
“The confidence is really high and there is a great vibe in the change room.
“It’s great to have some new boys in and especially the return of Daniel McFarlane who is coming back from injury this weekend. He has a lot of experience to bring to us younger players.
“The goal for us leading into the semi-finals is to be as disciplined as possible. We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves and we know every game is vital if we want to be involved in the finals series,” Kuipers said.
Event Details
Venue: The Crest Athletic Centre
Date: Saturday July 22
Kick off times:
First Grade – 7:00pm
Under 20’s – 5pm
Under 18’s – 3pm
