Both academy sides were away from home this weekend with the men clinching a crucial 3-2 win over Mounties Wanderers whilst the women fell to APIA Leichhardt 5-0.
Mounties Wanderers FC 2 Central Coast Mariners Academy 3 (Nisbet 29th, Glassock 48th, Vinci 50th)
Both sides came into this fixture knowing that a win would put them in the top six for the time being. It was the Mariners Academy who took all three points, coming from behind to win 3-2.
It wasn’t the best start for our academy as Mounties took the lead in the 7th minute. The academy boys started to gain control of the game and made the most of their dominance as they equalised through youth player of the year Josh Nisbet in the 29th minute. The men were unable to double their tally before the break and went into half time one a piece.
In the second half, momentum continued in favour of the academy boys as they were awarded a penalty in the early stages. Captain Michael Glassock made no mistake from the spot and gave the men the lead. It didn’t take long to add another for the academy as Alec Vinci fired home the Yellow & Navy’s third goal of the night.
Mounties jagged a consolation before full time but it was the academy boys that came away with all three points.
The win for the academy side sees them leapfrog Mounties Wanderers into 5th spot and in the chase for the top 4 in NPL 2 with an important game against 4th place GHFA Spirit at Pluim Park next Sunday.
Earlier Results:
- U18s: DREW 1-1
- U20s: LOST 1-0
APIA Leichardt 5 Central Coast Mariners Academy Women 0
It was a tough task heading into this fixture for Dan Barrett’s injury depleted women with APIA one of the form sides of the competition.
APIA were quick to grab the lead in the 7th minute. The Mariners tried their best and dominated the first half but struggled to make their chances count as they went into the half time break a goal down.
The second half was a different story as APIA’s quality showed as they managed to add four goals throughout the half.
The women return to Pluim Park next Sunday as they take on winless Inter Lions FC.
Earlier Results:
- U14s: WON 3-1
- U15s: WON 1-0
- U17s: LOST 5-1
- Reserve Grade: WON 2-1
