NYL: Junior Mariners ready to Roar

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CENTRAL Coast Mariners defender Hayden Morton says the yellow and navy are confident ahead of tomorrow’s Round 6 National Youth League clash with Brisbane Roar at the club’s Centre of Excellence.

CENTRAL Coast Mariners defender Hayden Morton says the yellow and navy are confident ahead of tomorrow-s Round 6 National Youth League clash with Brisbane Roar at the club-s Centre of Excellence.

The junior Mariners will be looking for their sixth consecutive win as they bid to further consolidate their spot at the top of the table.

“The boys are very high on confidence after five (wins) from five (games). Hopefully we can keep the momentum going and get another win,” Morton said.

Tomorrow-s encounter marks the return of Morton following his time on national team duty in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Qantas Young Socceroos. Paul Okon-s team were defeated 2-0 by Iraq in the semi-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship last week.

Nevertheless, the semi-final showing at the AFC U-19 tournament ensured the Qantas Young Socceroos qualified for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Turkey next year.

“The trip was very good. I learnt a lot. It-s a great experience being overseas with quality boys that play regular A-League, so I-ve definitely learnt a lot and I-m just taking that all on board,” he said.

The promising youngster is pleased with his side-s start to the campaign and says a close-knit environment is one of the reasons for the team-s success.

“The boys have made a great start with five from five, you can-t ask for anything better. I think the team unity is what is getting us over the line, just grinding out results and holding on.”

Fourth-placed Brisbane head to Tuggerah following a 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers Youth last Sunday and Morton says he expects a tough contest with John Sime-s men.

“I know some of the boys, two of them were in the Young Socceroos squad with me. There are a few quality players there and Brisbane Roar is a quality team. They play like their first team, very possession based and it should be a tough match,” he concluded.

The junior Mariners play their next match against Brisbane Roar Youth tomorrow, Saturday 24 November at the Centre of Excellence, Tuggerah. Kick off is at 3:00pm. Admission is FREE.