This weekend of NPL action saw Danielle Wise net four goals in the women’s 7-1 victory over Southern Branch, while the men fell 2-0 at home to Bonnyrigg White Eagles. Special mention to all the junior women’s teams, with the under 14’s to reserve grade all securing three points!
Southern Branch FC 1 vs. Central Coast Mariners Academy Women 7 (Wise x 4, McAtamney, Tucker, Blanch)
After a crucial mid-week victory over Marconi Stallions, Dan Barrett’s side came into this fixture knowing three points could all but secure their place in the top five.
It was a frustrating start for the girls, with Southern Branch managing to soak up much of the pressure the women’s academy created. It wasn’t until the 25th minute where Danielle Wise netted her 20th of the season to grab the lead. It took only four minutes for Wise to get a second and double the Mariners tally. Southern Branch were able to half the deficit in the 36th minute, however, Danielle Wise completed a memorable first half hat-trick right before the break.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first and saw Jade McAtamney, Mikala Tucker and Gabrielle Blanch get on the score sheet while Danielle Wise scored her fourth and the women’s 7th in the 88th minute. The four-goal haul for Wise takes her tally to 23 for the season and in second place on the goal scorers chart.
The victory for the academy girls has them seven points clear of sixth place Marconi with three games to play. The girls return to Pluim Park next Sunday for a highly anticipated clash against APIA Leichhardt.
Earlier Results:
- U14s: WON 2-0
- U15s: WON 2-1
- U17s: WON 1-0
- Reserve Grade: WON 5-0
Central Coast Mariners Academy 0 vs. Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2
It was a battle for the top six on Sunday afternoon as the Men’s Academy welcomed Bonnyrigg White Eagles to Pluim Park.
The first half was a very tight contest with both sides trading chances. Aidan Munford and Alec Vinci were crucial as both players were able to thwart goal scoring opportunities. The men found themselves on the counter several times but were unable to find the finishing product. Matthew Hatch again proved to be a major threat down the left-hand side for the Yellow and Navy.
It wasn’t the best start to the second half for men as Bonnyrigg took the lead after a great cross found an unmarked man at the far post. The game started to open up as the home side pursued the equaliser. Bonnyrigg were able to find a second after a scramble in the box allowed for a tap in. Nick Montgomery’s side were able to test the keeper right at the end, forcing a great save, however, the Men’s Academy were unable to pull one back.
The defeat leaves the academy boys seven points out from the top six with six games to play. The men are on the road to take on Macarthur Rams next Saturday night.
Earlier Results:
- U18s: WON 1-0
- U20s: LOST 1-0
