Mariners rampant, Pilkington impresses

Canberra Youth: Still everything to play for.

Central Coast Mariners defeated ACT Rockets 4-0 at Deakin Oval tonight. The Mariners responded to Lawrie McKinna's harsh words this morning.

And Woden Valley's Luke Pilkington was singled out for praise by McKinna in the Youth game played earlier.

"We're back down to Canberra for the Jets game (July 12 Canberra Stadium) and we'll get a few of the Young Rockets and Under 21's training with us," said McKinna.

Russ Gibbs was at the game and rang through this report.

Mariners 4 ACT Rockets 0

The Mariners cruised to a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from Predrag Vogic (14 mins) Frank Lagana (38) and former Socceroo Sasho Petrovski on the stroke of half-time. Matt Osman returning from a long-term injury scored the fourth in the second half.

Belconnen keeper Alex Connell came on for Mariners keeper Andrew Redmayne in the second half.

Despite pre-match speculation Danny Vukovic did not play.

McKinna was happy with the performance. "We had words this morning about the Belconnen performance being unacceptable. I told them places in the squad are still up for grabs.

"We played some good football in the first half. Some good moves and our support play was superb. Credit to the ACT they put us under pressure in the second half."

Rockets Coach Dean Urginic said, "The score didn't reflect the performance. We were a bit panicky on occasions. But we definitely improved in the second half. We kept possession, tracked our runners."

Adam Spaleta and John Ison had good games. Right back Justin Selkirk got the nod of approval from McKinna as well.

Canberra FC striker Paul Ivanic played in the old National Soccer League reflected on what might have been, "I thought I'd scored but the keeper (Andrew Redmayne) made a great save. I think a few of the boys were a bit overwhemled in the first half. The main difference at this level is you have to think quicker. The Mariners are also that much stronger and fitter."

When asked if he thought he get more time against Tuggeranong on the weekend Ivanic simply smiled!

ACT Rockets (Youth 2 ACTAS 1

Tim Cole scored the opener in the 34th minute for the ACT Rockets (Youth) tonight at Deakin Stadium. The match was watched by Central Coast Mariners Development Manager Alex Tobi. Tobin is looking to bolster his Mariners Youth team. But with contracts as low as $2500 per year would anyone take the contract if offered?

Dean Tomeski hit an equalizer for Milan Milovanovic's ACTAS side in the 72nd minute, before Yianni Karabalas sealed the win for the Rockets ten minutes from the end.

And Woden Valley's Luke Pilkington was singled out for praise by McKinna in the Youth game played earlier.

"We're back down to Canberra for the Jets game (July 12 Canberra Stadium) and we'll get a few of the Young Rockets and Under 21's training with us," said McKinna.

Central Coast Mariners 30. Andrew Redmayne (gk) (1. Alex Connell (gk) 82’), 5. Bradley Porter, 7. John Hutchinson, 8. Dean Heffernan (6. David D’Apuzzo 46’), 9. Predrag Bojic, 10. Frank Lagana (22. Sasho Petrovski 42’), 15. Andrew Clark (11. Taylor Beaton 46’), 16. Jamie Lobb, 18. Alex Wilkinson, 21. Ahmad Elrich, 27. Dylan Macallister (17. Matthew Osman 65’) Yellow Cards NoneRed Cards NoneGoals Bojic 15’, Lagana 39’, Petrovski 45’+1, Osman 73’

ACT Rockets 1. Nathan Denham (gk), 2. Lukas Roth, 3. Matthew Valeri, 4. John Ison, 5. Adam Spaleta, 6. Justin Selkirk, 7. Paul Ivanic, 8. Travis Dries, 9. Pat Ross-McGee, 10. Goran Veljanovski, 11. Victor Yanes

Substitutes 12. Oliver Wiederkehr, 13. Marcin Zygmunt, 14. Goran Josifovski, 15. David Kemp, 16. Brett Dickens (gk)

Yellow Cards NoneRed Cards NoneGoals None

Referee Richard Normovski