In what will be an action-packed weekend for the club, both Academy sides are on the road for important games this Sunday.
North Shore Mariners FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy
Northbridge Oval hosts this Sunday’s football festival between the North Shore Mariners and Central Coast Mariners Academy.
After a frustrating draw at home to Rydalmere, the men’s academy will be wanting to get back to winning ways and down their North Shore brothers. Our boys currently sit in 7th on the NPL 2 ladder and remain undefeated with a game in hand on most sides.
The North Shore Mariners have endured a mix start to the season. Their four straight away games have brought two wins and two losses. Last week North Shore suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to Hills United and will be wanting to set the record straight against the Central Coast.
The men’s academy will be out for revenge on Sunday after suffering a 4-2 defeat to North Shore the last time they met. It’ll be a battle of Mariners bragging rights and a tight and physical performance is expected.
“The match against North Shore Mariners this weekend will be hard fought and contested at the edge of fair play. We are not expecting anything less,” Head Coach Ray Junna said. “If last week’s games were judged by possession, all teams would have won handsomely. Unfortunately, it’s goals scored, and goals conceded that counts.
“Both 18’s and first grade teams are geared up to rebound from last weekend’s goal shy performance. With all players in the 1st’s, bar Bilal [his last week of suspension] available for selection, I am expecting a consistent performance with a higher percentage of the chances created to be converted, and our defence to be frugal and water tight.
“With new A-League coach Alen Stajcic casting his eye for prospective players, it’s important for the young players to perform,” Junna said.
Thanks to @CCoastCouncil for having us at today's opening of the Central Coast Regional Sporting & Recreation Complex, what a facility! ??
Joey Gibbs and the #CCMFC players had a ball running our FREE clinic for a group of young girls. pic.twitter.com/DuNzY1q5BV
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 29, 2019
Last week’s academy team: Joe Gauci (GK), Michael Glassock (c), Daniel Hall, Michael Katsoulis, Peter Kekeris, Lewis Miller, Joshua Nisbet, Emmanuel Peters, Dylan Ruiz-Diaz, Jordan Smylie, Ollie Valentine, Alec Vinci, Charles William
Nepean FC vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women
The high-flying women’s academy will be wanting to continue their good form shown in the first couple of rounds as they travel to take on Nepean FC.
Dan Barrett’s girls are currently two wins from two and sit 3rd on the NPL 2 women’s ladder with a game in hand. It’s been a strong start for the girls having only conceded one goal and scoring five. The women will be wanting to keep the momentum they have built as a difficult Nepean outfit awaits.
Nepean FC are coming back off a tough 1-0 loss away to Gladesville Ravens and sit in 8th place on the ladder having also won their first fixture and having a wash out in round 2.
These sides last met in round 18 last season and Nepean took all three points. Our determined to set the record straight this time around as they aim to stay in touch with first place.
Last week’s academy team: Rhiannon HINES (GK), Gabrielle BLANCH, Jordyn DRYSDALE, Haylie EYERS, Jade MCATAMNEY, Kaitlin MURPHY, Katie OLIVEIRA, Elizabeth SHORTER, Iona SNAPE, Kirby SQUIRES, Danielle WISE, Nina COLLINS, Laura MAH, Willow SHORROCKS, Indianna AUDDINO, Mikala TUCKER
