The Steadfast Mariners Academy got back up and running on the weekend in their season restart, with strong results across both the Men’s & Women’s programs.
After the season was cut short just two rounds in due to COVID-19 with both the NPLW & NPL first grade teams in strong positions, they continued to impress in their return to competitive action.
Dan Barrett’s NPLW team came up against what he described as their ‘bogey’ team in Nepean FC, but broke the trend with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Iona Snape’s 70th minute strike.
Mikala Tucker had an effort at goal saved, but Snape was quickest to the rebound and fired home from the edge of the box to give her side a late lead, and Barrett said he was proud of the effort against a tough opponent.
“We got what we planned for and had to grind out a result in a match that was not pretty on the eye,” he said.
“Good to get it out of the way as it’s a big 3 points against opposition that we usually meet in the finals, but there is plenty to improve on so I expect each week to see more polish on our performance.”
“It’s just fantastic to be back. Nothing beats competition football and I really enjoy working with this group of players so it was very pleasing indeed.”
NPLW Results |
1st Grade: Central Coast Mariners 1 def. Nepean FC 0
Reserves: Central Coast Mariners 3 def. Nepean FC 2
U/17’s: Central Coast Mariners 1 def. Nepean FC 0
U/15’s: Central Coast Mariners 7 def. Nepean FC 0
U/14’s: Central Coast Mariners 1 drew. Nepean FC 1
Nick Montgomery’s NPL team travelled to Blacktown on Saturday to take on the Spartans, and after the U/20’s were victorious 2-0 the first grade side headed out.
They fell behind to a freakish strike early on, a volleyed effort from a long way out catching Zenden Hart off guard, but the team responded well and pushed for an equaliser.
That came courtesy of Mikey Katsoulis in the second half, but the Spartans put numbers behind the ball and defended well to prevent the Mariners netting a winner.
Despite the draw, Monty said he was just happy to be back.
“It’s great to be back playing competitive football as nothing can replicate that environment, but very disappointed to not take all 3 points in the opening round,” he said.
NPL Results |
1st Grade: Blacktown Spartans 1 drew. Central Coast Mariners 1
U/20’s: Blacktown Spartans 0 def. by Central Coast Mariners 2
