This Saturday the Central Coast Mariners Academy face FFA Cup Round of 32 entrants Hills Brumbies at Pluim Park.
Goals from Sallu Kamara, Lachlan Wales, Michael Glassock and Gianni Stensness were enough for our Academy boys to overcome the Blacktown Spartans on the weekend. The 4-2 win sees them jump into fourth position on the NSW NPL2 Mens ladder, and continues their winning streak, which now sits at five straight games.
This weekend they face the FFA Cup round of 32 entrants, Hills Brumbies. The Brumbies will be looking to bounce back strong after a disappointing result against the third placed St. George on the weekend, where they went down 4 goals to 1.
Despite the result, the Brumbies sit in 6th place on 21 points, just 4 points behind the Academy.
Another win for the Mariners Academy could see them jump as high as 2nd place, with front runners Marconi Stallions currently on top with 32 competition points.
Last time these two sides meet it was an enthralling fixture, where Hills Brumbies scored two late gals to get the three points at Lilys Football Centre, in a game that finished 5-4.
Hills Brumbies will be disappointed in the loss of attacking prowess Peter Cejka, who recently moved to NSW NPL1 outfit Blacktown City. Cejka was influential in the promotion of the Hills Brumbies from the NPL3 last season, where he scored 33 goals in 24 matches. Cejka continued his form into this season scoring 9 goals in 12 games before being snapped up by the NSW reigning champions.
Player in focus: Michael Glassock
In a revelation for the Academy side, youngster Michael Glassock has been a standout perfomer since making his first grade debut just 4 weeks ago.
This week we caught up with the centre back, this weeks player in focus.
“The mood in the squad is fantastic, the boys are buzzing and we are all enjoying our football at the moment. It’s a great environment to be in.”
When asked about how the Academy will fare without captain Steve Whyte, who is currently overseas on trial with the Seattle Sounders, Glassock was quick to praise the captain but also knows there are many players who can fill the void.
“Whytey is a massive loss for the squad and his leadership will be dearly missed. He has been fantastic with me and really supportive over the last few weeks. We have so many terrific footballers in the group and a lot of natural leaders. Hopefully we can continue and get the result this weekend to continue of push up the ladder.”
“We need to continue to stick together and play the way we have been playing in the last few weeks. The Brumbies had a tough loss last week so they will be ready to redeem themselves. But if we stay grounded and disciplined, I am confident we can pick up the three points this weekend and continue our rich vain of form.
“Hopefully we can get a good crowd at Pluim Park this weekend for what will be a good game of football. Every game is a must win and the support of the fans really helps the boys.”
Not many people can say they’ve played at the one club for 8 years, but Glassock can. The former NSW cricket star has played for the Central Coast since the under 11’s and is over the moon to be representing his childhood club.
“It means the absolute world to me to represent the Mariners. I’ve been a supporter of the Mariners since day one and I am very humbled and privileged to represent this great club,” he concluded.
Kick off for this weekends game are as follows.
Saturday 17 June 2017, Pluim Park, Lisarow:
- U18’s: 1pm
- U20’s: 3pm
- First Grade: 5pm
