Perez fails to deliver as McKay's Roar march on.

All the hype about Patricio Perez the Mariners star Argentinean counted for nothing as he failed to deliver in the game that mattered, the A-League semi-final.

A close game and the Mariners were perhaps unlucky not to score as they hit the post a couple of times but in truth it was Perez with some key space and ball, particularly in the second half who could not deliver a final ball, or test the Roar keeper with any decent shot that saw the Mariners needing a miracle in Brisbane.

John Hutchison was preferred to Mustafa Amini - the enforcer over the playmaker and perhaps it was the football purist in me who smirked as Matt MCKay stole the ball from Hutch and then released it instantly for Kosta Barbarouses. The young Kiwi has a lot to do, but he done it as Robbie would say, and 1-0 Brissy.

Matt McKay and Brisbane's fitness again started to shine through as they simply over ran the Mariners men. McKay found the heat no problem starting and ending the move that could see 50,000 in Brisbane for a Grand Final in three weeks.

When it counted McKay beat Perez hands down.

Read More...

Summary only...

Too much football is...too much...for Gosford and Arnie.

The Brisbane Roar came to town but no-one wanted to watch them, the so-called best team in Australia ever - against a resurgent and increasingly stylish Mariners.

Maybe all the Mariners fans had headed to watch Beckham and co; after all where else did those 23,000 Novacastrians come from?

Maybe there is, as we seem to think, a very limited market for football, match goers in Australia.

A Rugby League clash in Newcastle may well have seen a big crowd back up in Gosford the next day. Football didn't.

What the fans did miss was an annihilation of the home team.

The Roar were simply too smart - and re-born Coach Graham Arnold failed his first real test. Arnie simply lacked belief in his own team, it's own style and made a cardinal sin.

By withdrawing Daniel McBreen and playing just one striker, at home, Arnie handed territory and possession to the team who simply have thrived on possession and territory in the final third all year. Why would you?

And so Mustafa Armini and co were simply passed off the park. Or indeed run off the park.

It was embarassing early as three goals flew in. And the game was done and dusted.

Arnie's team is not a bad team. Today they were. Arnie is not yet, the complete coach.

Ange Postecoglou however is still to be really tested in the coaching stakes, this season at least.

The Roar have set the standard. Maybe the Gold Coast will have the resolve, certainly more than the Mariners to test their neighbours. If they get their full side settled they and Adelaide could test the Roar - maybe.

Of course Melbourne Victory with Archie back may have a say.

For now it's the Roar and daylight. And great to see Mitch Nicholls fulfilling his promise.

Roar 5 - Mariners 1 in Gosford!

Read More...

Summary only...

Graham Arnold: Did I ever criticise you?

Okay Arnie if Harry says, via Bernie, you're poisonous I'll ignore it. Because it's unfair almost stupid of "our Bernie," who manages "Our Harry." How did an Agent get to become such a spokesman btw?

Anyway I was disappointed with the 2007 Arnie led Asian Cup. It was crap. The Olyroos qualification was extraordinary under Arnie and Baan but the Beijing Olyroo performances were...crap.

So how would this Two time World Cup Assistant Coach go when he finally gets to take his own club side....again.

I've always hated the Mariners style of play. Andre Gumprecht, Andrew Clarke, (Get them out of the friggin gym Andrew and spend the time with the ball for god sake, they're big already have you seen their chests) Dylan Mcallister, Nigel Boogard, Matt Simon have never got me excited; beyond the Mariners first season when the then minnows of the A-League (now we have the Fury) club did very well and should have won the Grand Final. And when John Hutchison is your very best player, in a creative sense, well what are you going to get?

So Arnie comes and out goes a British hacking centre-back, nice, in comes Aussie Oliver Bozanic a find of the season who gets better every game and then Mr Pat Perez a footballer who may just get me watching week in week out.

A touch to dive for?

Bad planning meant the Mariners were left with a goalie so young so inexperienced it was amazing Sydney didn't test him with a few up and unders; but while that's clearly a Coaching error the rest of the team is up for it.

They even kept the ball for at least 8 passes at one time last night, under pressure. Has a Mariners team ever done that?

Keep it up Arnie. With Perez, Bozanic and Hutchison all looking good, why Matt Simon might start scoring and then who knows what could happen! Although the goalscoring ranks look a little bare to challenge for the top, a new goalie and a reasonable season could be ahead. However you won't be playing Sydney ever week will you?

Unlike most teams when Mariners lose a player they bring a similar non-superstar to replace, well a non-superstar so the team loses nothing much. Sydney and Melbourne Victory and Heart have no such depth!

Shunting Dylan McAllister was also smart as the Phoenix are finding out!

Early days but shades of revolution on the Central Coast. Good on yer Arnie!

Read More...

Summary only...

Mariners to boost Canberra bid

Lyall Gorman, Mariners Chairman said,

“It also gives the A-League for Canberra bid supporters the perfect chance to get behind the game, and further strengthen our support of a truly national competition, with the imminent announcement of the Hyundai A-League’s successful 12th franchise.

Mariners make Capital gains in Hyundai A-League 5

The Central Coast Mariners will spread their wings to Canberra this Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season following today’s confirmation that Canberra Stadium will host the yellow and navy in Rounds 5 and 13 of the club’s fast approaching fifth Hyundai A-League campaign.

The Mariners currently foster close links with football in Canberra through an association with Capital Football. Their current pre-season camp is the third such event in as many seasons, in a bid to expand the Mariners’ Canberran fan base and interact with many of the ACT’s 17,000-strong base of registered footballers.

On Friday 4 September, these links will grow even closer when Canberra Stadium hosts its historic first ever Hyundai A-League fixture – the Mariners’ Round 5 clash against the Perth Glory.

Then, on Saturday 31 October, the Central Coast will return to the nations capital, for a round 13 Halloween clash against Adelaide United.

And Mariners members are set to benefit too, with every Mariners member entitled to a free, reserved seating ticket to either match.

Complimentary tickets for Mariners Members for the round 5 encounter with Perth Glory on Friday 4 September will be available from Monday 13 July, at either the Ticketek outlet at Bluetongue Stadium, or by visiting the Mariners office in Tuggerah during business hours.

Details of the availability of complimentary tickets for the round 13 clash against Adelaide will be made closer to the event.

While Mariners members will pick up free tickets, members of the Canberra Football Family can enjoy a priority booking period on tickets to both matches, which runs until Wednesday 15 July.

Canberra Football Family members will be given a special code to use when booking.

Recently, 20,032 spectators were in attendance at Canberra Stadium for Australia’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait – a match that featured Mariners striker Matt Simon – and it is hoped that similarly impressive numbers will return to Canberra’s outstanding multi-purpose facility when the Mariners bring their Hyundai A-League road show to their home away from home in September and October.

These two fixtures will provide the city’s football lovers a chance to vote with their feet, their attendance also sure to be seen as a show of support for Canberra’s bid for entry into an expanded Hyundai A-League competition.

"We must firstly recognise the vision and foresight of Football Federation Australia, the ACT Government and Capital Football, for seizing this unique opportunity to host these two Hyundai A-League fixtures," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

“It also gives the A-League for Canberra bid supporters the perfect chance to get behind the game, and further strengthen our support of a truly national competition, with the imminent announcement of the Hyundai A-League’s successful 12th franchise.

"This very unique situation will see the Central Coast region showcased to the nation’s capital like never before, and the very fact that such an invitation exists in the first place is further vindication of what impact our club has made on the Australian sporting landscape in such a short period of time."

Beyond their matches in Canberra, the Mariners will host fixtures at their iconic Bluetongue Stadium home on eleven occasions throughout the season – starting with a pair of blockbuster derby clashes against the Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC and continuing throughout a seven-month regular season campaign.

As with previous seasons, the Mariners’ have a high concentration of home fixtures throughout the December and January period of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season, including the return of the traditional New Year’s Eve fixture, which this year will welcome the visit of the Wellington Phoenix.

“With eleven home matches being played at Bluetongue Stadium in season five, we have been able to maintain membership packages at the same number of home matches as last season, and most importantly, we have held last season’s prices.

“Another advantage, is that Bluetongue Stadium will enjoy a good break between home games through September and October, thus ensuring an optimum period of turf rectification, heading into a busy home game schedule over summer,” Gorman said.

Tickets for these matches range from $7 to $35, with a two match pass on offer, giving fans wishing to attend both games platinum reserved seating tickets for $54, or gold reserve for $15 for kids, $40 for adults, and family passes for just $95.

Read More...

Summary only...

Asia review: Matchday 4. McKinna regains credibility..but not Tobin?

Mariners and Jets both needed wins in matchday 4 and despite some notable performances they both flopped badly to Japanese sides.

Yes that's right the "technically better Japanese sides".

But maybe it's not the technical difference between the players that is so crucial to results against Japanese sides...maybe it's the difference between the Coaches.

First the Mariners.

They flopped badly. Yes that's right because it was basic professional errors that ensured they were narrowly defeated. At this level of football such errors are unforgiveable.

Did the Mariners not listen or watch Adelaide United. Aurelio Vidmar's mantra, "we're going to work on defence," was trotted out daily from January to the start of the Asian Champions League in March last year and they proceded to play at home with one forward..yes at home with one forward..even I saw it!

Of course the Mariners performance was almost a victory compared with their five nil thrashing to Kawasaki in the previous round. This time the 2-1 defeat was heralded as heroic stuff.

If anything this defeat was worse than the previous one.

Lawrie McKinna sent out a team and formation which should have been sent out for the home game, a la Aurelio Vidmar and Pim Verbeek. And consequently we had what we knew we could always have between Aussie and " technically superior Japanese club sides," a close match.

But wait despite employing the energetic Matt Simon upfront and praying for a truckload of continuous rain Kawasaki had to work for their ball, and their chances... but unfortunately not for their goals.

Why couldn't this have been the case at Blue Tongue in the previous game?

An unmarked header, a goalkeeper who spilled it's simple delivery and no defence helping out. Goal one to Kawasaki. Nothing technical about that one.

Having pulled themselves into the game through the amazing Simon, Matty missed easier chances to finish the game..but then set up the winner.

Two Mariners jumping for a header, no-one marking the man who received that Mariners header and of course no-one marking the subsequent delivery. 2-1 A shocking goal to concede. Nothing technical about that Japanese goal either.

And certainly nothing professional about the Mariners defending.

Truth is if you defend to a "normal" professional level this so-called wonderful "technically superior Japanese side" would not have scored.

So the Mariners blew it and finally, thankfully, they are realising the type of player they are recruiting is going to leave them way below the standards of the rest of the league...at least outside the 6...and of course you can forget Asia.

For the Mariners:
Matt Simon done good, Lawrie McKinna did good, Andrew Clark did good for an old fella and generally the team worked better to an effective system...and it nearly prevailed.

but what does Alex Tobin do? Does he take responsibility for the defending, the corners, and the general defensive display? Why are the Mariners so poor at defending? The physical side of their game is supposed to be their strength, and Nigel Booguard and Alex Wilkinson have played enough and are big enough to have sorted it. Alex..just sort it..it's basic and cost you any credibility in Asia..even in Australia.

Newcastle Jets:

Themselves up against a Japanese side, sorry that should be a "technically superior Japanese side," though this one clearly isn't so good or else the Jets wouldn't have drawn with them would they...so all the Japanese apologists in the Aussie media have already labelled Nagoya as, well almost Aussie...yet they are in the J-League so how does that work?

Gary Van Egmond. Different to Lawrie McKinna, and our great coaching hope for the future started with one upfront....at home. Where did he get that idea Lawrie?

No-one criticised Duchy. Indeed it was smart stuff and nearly worked, despite the "technically superior Japanese" running the Aussie's ragged in the second half.

Ljubo Milicevic was sorely missed, Ange Costanzo showed why Adelaide released him after he got skinned alive in the Asian Champions League final. The pace is gone if not the verbal replies.

But Sasho Petrovski did a Berbatov and took a shocking penalty.

The game should have ended 1-1. Somehow a Jets side, without Milicevic and for the most part Fabrio Vignaroli, and a team which included Danny De Groot..is De Groot Dutch for useless I'm wondering.... the Jets should have got, even if they didn't deserve, a draw.

The Jets disappointed in truth.

My favourite player...Kaz Patafta again showed why no-one will play him. He loses the ball, holds it in the wrong places, and sends too many passes to the others. Technical he maybe but, if so, he needs to return to the dazzling displays of the Under 17 world Cup and maybe the same position..but if he distributes the ball like this who would risk him in that position?

Jason Hoffman, Brodie Mooy all worked hard but are very young, inexperienced and/or unfit for this level of football yet.

Ben Kantarvoski is starting to shine but still makes many errors, check out the goal But he's young and playing well in a high level of competition, good to see another Aussie with real class on the field.

Gary Van Egmond was superb. He sent a team out to do a job, a tactical plan and he nearly stole it. He had hugely depleted resources, but he still put up a show and if Petrovski had scored he'd have pulled it off.

And you have to admire the way Van Egmond is getting more from less. Tarek Elrich finds the reserves and nous from somewhere to push on and create overlaps late on. Petrovski penalty aside looks like he wants to play. Van Egmonds influence surely.

In conclusion:
The Mariners were never 5 goals worse than Kashima...McKinna simply ensured they were by sending out the wrong team, with the wrong plan. The second leg proved that.

And I was delighted to see Lawrie and co could produce a plan to be competitive, pity they hadn't practiced defending this year.

Maybe it's not the technically difference between the players that is so crucial to results...maybe it's the difference between the Coaches.

Read More...

Summary only...

McKinna: We thought we could match them at football?

Lawrie said this after the game last night on Fox!

Even I wouldn't have thought that and I'm no coach.....would you?

Read More...

Summary only...

McKinna learns nothing from Vidmar and Verbeek!

Mariners only conceded 5 at home...it could have been more!

Haven't seen many teams as outclassed as the Central Coast Mariners for many years. Haven't seen a home coach get it so wrong either.

And can the Central Coast Mariners hierarchy or fans except that?

Celtic, my team, have had many pastings at the hands of Barcelona and Man United in recent years but funnily enough we rarely lost....as badly as this. Gordon Strachan knows the limitations of his budget when up against Ronaldo or Ronaldinho and co and changes tactics from the usual onslaught of teams at Parkhead in the Scottish League.

McKinna clearly doesn't.

Did he really think his team are a better ball playing side than Melbourne Victory, Sydney or Adelaide who all worked very hard to get close to Japanese sides in recent years?

The Mariners have always been the worst football team in the A-League. Producing a brand of football which has Matt Simon, Dylan MaCallister and Nik Mrdja as their potent weapons... passable for the A-League maybe, but never going to cut it against better football sides and in Kawasaki they met one....although in truth the Mariners played right into their hands.


Kawasaki attacked with four at times. And they were the away side! And of course once they realised how limited the Mariners were tactically and technically it was party time.

Coach Lawrie McKinna had to chase the game once they'd conceded but really the game was lost in the planning...not tonight but over the past years!

Where is a Travis Dodd, a Steve Corica or Archie Thompson, at the other end Kevin Muscat, Ange Costanzo and Mark Milligan all added quality and techinique to previous Australian Asia representatives.

With a Salary Cap in operation you should be able to recruit a couple of ball players at least.

Adelaide United a more ball playing Aussie side did well last year but they only ever played one striker. Frustrating to watch but to great effect. Australia in Asia the same! Maybe McKinna hadn't watched the games.

The Mariners have no Diego, Cassio or Dodd in midfield to create something, anything against Asian opposition, and it showed. Shane Huke, John Hutchison, Adrian Caceres and Matt Osman don't offer much creativity or real threat do they?

But still the Mariners went with two forwards against a quality Japanese side and this exposed Mariners defence/midfield immediately.

The Jets worked a better plan the night before albeit against a strangely naive Japanese side. But even with their ravaged season, Ljubo Milicevic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Ben Kantarovski, Tarek Elrich Sasho Petrovski and Adam Griffith give much more ball retention possibilities and a chance to play a different game. And they did both with and without the ball.

Maybe Con Constantine is not so daft after all.

Lawrie McKinna has it all wrong. The type of players he has recruited means he has little choice in how he plays. Although with five in midfield he would have had a better plan than the limited 442. And there is really no excuse for such a defensively inept display.

Have the players been coached at all? What has Alex Tobin been doing?

McKinna should have gone with one upfront, learnt from Aurelio Vidmar and Pim Verbeek. Even at home with better technical players these sides only played one at home.

McKinna tried to take a Japanese side on. With what?

No wing option, no ball retaining quality and no forward with any real creativity. How did he think he was going to succeed?

Robbie Slater said this was a wonderful performance from Kawasaki but really are they that good?

I'm not so sure.

The Mariners were an embarassment to Australia and I've seen Coaches resign, never mind sacked for less.

Maybe after five years of blood and guts football at the Mariners it's time to aspire to something better on the Central Coast.

With this style of play there is no real future for the Mariners or Lawrie McKinna...is there?

Read More...

Summary only...

Mariners community programs expanding in 2009

A Canberra A-League side would change many things in the football community over time.

Here's what the Mariners are doing just four years after they started, though I'm not sure what they mean by "learn to play the Mariners way." "the Mariners Way," is not my view of how the game could be played...but suppose it takes all sorts:)



The Central Coast Mariners’ community and player development program has re-commenced with a new and expansive model aimed to engage participants at all levels, while casting an eye over new talent.

With a focus on accessibility and affordability, the Mariners will host and support school holiday clinics and regional development centres across the Central Coast and the northern Sydney corridor in partnership with the Ku-ring-gai & District Soccer Association and Gladesville Hornsby Football Association.

School holiday programs scheduled for 2009 will number in excess of 40 programs, with this massive footprint set to engage over 2,000 children between the ages of 4 and 12 years in fun and developmental sessions that include visits from Mariners players.

The development centres will be conducted during school terms over eight advanced sessions to assist club-based players to 'learn to play the Mariners way'.

To facilitate the growth of the community football program, the Mariners have engaged the services of Tim Thorne as Community Development Officer – Sydney, who will work in conjunction with foundation Mariners player and now Youth Development Co-ordinator, Damien Brown.

"It’s a great time to be engaging kids in football and through the Mariners development initiatives we are driving community development to a new level," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"The Mariners provide a pathway to professional football that is unique in football in Australia and we believe it is a part of our responsibility to provide aspiring young players at all levels with some key opportunities and milestones along their journey towards this goal.

"Football is fun and we want every player who attends a Mariners program to enjoy their experience whatever their level of development."

Read More...

Summary only...

Mariners Magic

Were you watching Perth and Wellington?

Canberra Ref Ben Williams sent-off Carlos Hernandez last week.....for what I'm still unsure, but last night it got worse...that said the Mariners proved why they are the biggest little team in the league....once more.

Ben Williams gifted Adelaide a penalty in the 6th minute. Pedj Bojic won the ball and his follow through felled Cristiano..and that's a penalty!

Williams is a FIFA Referee and with Mark Shields retiring we are desperately in need of better from our best.

Adelaide were cruising at 2-0 but ran out of puff and the wonderful Mariners showed Perth and Wellington what can be done when you are behind.

It's all about effort and self-belief at 2-0 down never mind 3-0 as they were 10 minutes into the second-half.

In truth they were never that bad. A shocking Referee decision plus a dreadful keeper error from Andrew Redmayne gifted a 2-0 lead and only the brilliance of Eugene Galekovic stopped it being 2-2 at the break. Adrian Caceres fluffing opportunities in front of goal.

Adelaide tired, the Mariners showed their quality and depth.

Brad Porter is improving, Mile Jedinak scored two, and the wonderful all-action Matt Simon has quickly replaced the loss, I'm told it's a loss, of John Aloisi:)

Adelaide at 3-0 up had the game won, so they thought but fight and determination matched to a team who have players dying to improve their individual performances and that of their team show what can be achieved.

The greatest fightback in A-League history?

Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix, learn from this...and Adelaide need a quick re-think before Wednesday's Asian Champions League semi.

Read More...

Summary only...

Archie beats Bozzo at the death, Adelaide were death warmed up.

Matt Simon scored two stunning goals for the Mariners last night, and with Victory's erratic keeper Michael Theoklitos given his marching orders for stomping on Sasho " I'm never innocent" Petrovski in the second half, at 2-1 in 93+40 seconds everyone must have thought the game was won.

And then the ball broke to Archie Thompson.

A good entertaining game. Always is at BlueTongue between these two. Partly because Mariners attack in good numbers these days and also because they defend so poorly against Melbourne every year that the Victory resort to booting it over the top to Archie and Danny Allsopp and we all hold our breadth as one-on-one after one-on-one takes place.

Mark Bosnich played well.

But great to see Matt Simon outfox and outjump the overrated former Socceroo Michael Thwaites. In this form he'll remain that.

Brad Porter continues to develop and created both goals for Matt Simon with great crosses, although Simon had a bit to do.

Simon a gangly, aggressive forward with an improving touch and good pace is leading the line well for the Mariners and now is the leagues top scorer. Great to see a young local lad improving so rapidly.

But Lawrie McKinna must have forgot previous Victory games. Very open with a ball over the top or played through to Archie Thompson and Victory are in time and time again.

Can't be that hard to plan for, especially if you've seen it all before.

Archie scored at the death, cue Mark Bosnich outrage.

Mariners are improving and could well, with Dylan MacAllister looking lively make the final four comfortably.

In Sydney, the 12,000 who rocked up saw sensational goals from Terry McFlynn, Brendan Santalab and Alex Brosque.

Sydney are the luckiest team in the league so far.

Beat Perth when Perth self-destructed, beat the Mariners when they were missing key players and got a result against Melbourne when in the first half they were run ragged.

Last night they beat our Asian Champions flag bearers Adelaide who were Wellington-esque in the first half.

Sydney hardly broke sweat, were never tested and didn't really play that well. They didn't have to.

John Aloisi started but he seems to be slowing the Sydney attack rather than enabling the skills of Mark Bridge and Alex Brosque to flourish.

Adelaide had eight players who didn't play in Japan on Wednesday, although you wouldn't have guessed it.

Let's hope they perform better in their ACL quarter final on Sunday. I'm sure they will.

Read More...

Summary only...

Wellington should be replaced by Canberra...maybe Perth to:)

The Mariners drew 0-0 with the Phoenix in Wellington and again Wellington let the standard of the league down with their dire football display...and Perth are doing it tough as well...not least Canberra's Nikolai Topor-Stanley.

Karl Dodds, Richard Johnson, Vaughan Coveny, Shane Smeltz have to be the least inspiring quartet in the league, maybe any league.

Throw in a Troy Hearfield who is going backwards under Ricky Herbert and there is nothing to excite, never mind win in this Phoenix side. It's dire.

Lei Lei Gao has plenty of skill, so he was left on the bench. Nice one Ricky.

No pace, no width, and no ability to play football, to keep the ball, to build attacks.

The Phoenix are going down hill fast and they are supposed to better at home. Dire, just dire.

The Mariners have Mile Jedinak, Bradley Porter improving, Matty Osman, Sasho Petrovski, Matt Simon, Adrian Caceres and John Hutchison. Each player offers something for the Mariners and each enables Coach Lawrie McKinna to change things, tactics or style.

Even so the Mariners needed the brilliance of Mark Bosnich to save the day. A wonderful reflex save.

Perth may have got flogged today, 3-0 down at half-time but at least they play some football and can surely improve.

Although the second half performance was woeful. Confidence has gone. Players are not united. James Robinson is centre-midfield time and time again gave the ball away and the normally goalshy Queensland looked like World beaters.

Craig Moore even Matty Mackay scored and himself and Massimo Murdocho looked creative and inventive when they're not...at least not against a good team.

Reinaldo is back and looking good.

But Perth are woeful.

Unlike Wellington Perth have a team, not to win the thing but certainly to entertain, maybe win at home.

Dave Mitchell has placed so much faith on his new signings, and his squad but his defence is shockingly poor.

Move Nikolai Topor-Stanley into the Centre. Give him the leaders role. He's being wasted playing left-back even if the Socceroos demand it.

Forget it. He looks disinterested, unwilling to break forward. In the end he, David Tarka, and Stuart MacClaren were just kicking anything that moved. They were demoralised....and anyone who knows Topor-Stanley knows he's better than that.

Mitchell may have lost the group, certainly will lose the 8,000 fans...and we're only four games in.

They have the squad to get beyond the second bottom place but do they have the Coach and the commitment from the players.

Not at the moment the pride is gone.

The Mariners will feel they lost two points and lost further ground on Melbourne the leaders. Next week the two clash should be a great game.

Read More...

Summary only...

Podcast. Dylan Macallister Alen Stajic Robbie Hooker and more

National Show:
Download



Dylan Macallister talks about his debut and the standard of the A-League.
Lawrie McKinna discusses Mark Bosnich's debut and Ahmed Elrich's season ending injury.
We talk A-League and Socceroos
Alen Stajic talks Young Matildas and W-League

Local show including Robbie Hooker interview Download

Read More...

Summary only...

Academies for all?

The Mariners have launched their Academy programs today.

And it's interesting to see the numbers of players involved in their Academies. For example, One centre for 9 years olds will train 16 players. And there are FIVE centres. That's 80 players per age group.

At least five centres spread across the Region. With Canberra numbers so huge restricting Capital Football Academies
to 10 or 20 boys or girls at say 9,10 11, 12 or 13 given what we know about boys and girls physical, mental and football development is not smart. Not to me anyway.

Even if we, god forbid, don't get an A-League team, our player development needs to be improved, doesn't it?

Currently a boy/girl who can't afford or doesn't make an Under 11 Capital Football Academy misses out on development. That seems wrong to me. Hopefully the new Stategic Plan fixes this. I know Technical Director Ian Shaw and now W-League Coach Robbie Hooker would have views on this.

Mariners Academy launched for elite young players

The Central Coast Mariners’ one of a kind youth development pathways and talent identification structures have today been formalised with the launch of the Mariners Academy – a Hyundai A-League first for elite young players.

The Mariners Academy will provide a straight-line pathway for aspirant footballers from as young as 8-years-old through to the recently introduced National Youth League and ultimately to the premier level of domestic football in Australia – the Hyundai A-League.

The Mariners Academy will operate out of five centres set amongst the Central Coast and its surrounding regions – Jubilee Park at Long Jetty, Holland Park at Glenhaven, Epping Boys High, Mills Park at Asquith and Hornsby’s Barker College.

At each of these centres, players will receive expert instruction from Mariners Academy coaches with an emphasis on providing an unparalleled professional environment for youngsters to develop their game and grow as players and people.

Each centre will accommodate groups of 16 players at Under 9’s, Under 10’s, Under 11’s, Under 12’s, Under 13’s and Under 14’s age levels, with each group training twice weekly over 12 weeks pre and post Christmas, totaling 32 hours of elite coaching.

In addition to the aforementioned, each player will receive a Mariners branded training kit for the duration of their stay at the Mariners Academy, a Mariners cap, boot bag, drink bottle and detailed feedback report from Mariners Academy coaches at the conclusion of the course.

The Mariners Academy is designed for players to progress through each restricted age level year after year in order to have completed an intense and unique football experience and philosophy with the Mariners, so to be best equipped to progress to the National Youth League and Hyundai A-League in future years.

"The Mariners Academy is a cornerstone element of our ambition to become the centre of excellence for football in Australia," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

"Through the Hyundai A-League, we firstly uncovered local talents in Damien Brown, Andrew Clark, Bradley Porter, Andrew Redmayne and Matt Simon amongst others – many of which have since gone on to represent their country at youth and senior levels.

"The Mariners Academy is an extension of these already existing pathways and links aspirant footballers on the Central Coast and its surrounding regions to the very top level of Australian football."

The Mariners Academy will promote an emphasis on discipline, punctuality and preparedness, the cornerstones of a professional football career.

Academy coaches will aim to improve players’ technical ability, understanding of the game and provide the correct activities, practices and feedback to promote learning.

The inaugural Mariners Academy will kick off on Sunday, 19 October to coincide with the Mariners’ Hyundai A-League 2008/09, Round 8 match at Bluetongue Stadium against the Wellington Phoenix, which all Mariners Academy participants will attend free of charge.

After a short hiatus over Christmas, the Mariners Academy will continue until Sunday, 25 January, when Mariners Academy participants will again receive free admission to a Mariners Hyundai A-League 2008/09 fixture – at Bluetongue Stadium against Adelaide United, after taking part in a Mariners Academy Gala Day at Pluim Park.

Selected Mariners Academy graduates will soon compete in domestic and international competitions and an equivalent program for women is currently being developed following the introduction of the Westfield W-League.

"The guarantee of the Mariners Academy is that we will always be working to ensure that the environment we create is the right one for players to develop their game and to grow as positive young people," said Mariners Academy Coaching & Development Manager Tony Walmsley.

"Players can express themselves without fear of mistakes, but we need them to compete, show desire and take pride in their performance.

"The Mariners Academy will set the benchmark in terms of professional organisation with staff committed to developing players and passionate about working for the Mariners."

To apply for a place at the Mariners Academy, players need to have played at A-Grade local level or higher.

Read More...

Summary only...

Mariners make a profit..so can Canberra.

Canberra A-League already has more Members than The Mariners had for their first game. We're two years out. And the Mariners have made a profit.

So to the doubters from Canberra's football past, and there's heaps of yer:) it can be done:) Mariners release below.

"We must also thank each of our sponsors and corporate supporters, who last season contributed some $3 million to our cause.

said Peter Turnbull.

Mariners continue to kick goals off the field

The Central Coast Mariners are proud to announce that the club has recorded its first operating profit for the recently completed financial year in another powerful endorsement for the stability and longevity of an organisation with ambitions to become the centre of excellence for football in Australia.

With an annual turnover of $7 million, this is the first time that the Mariners have been in a position to boast financial gain in the clubs four-year history.

Such a positive off-field return, coupled with the Mariners’ most successful Hyundai A-League campaign to date, where the yellow and navy secured a 2009 AFC Champions League berth by virtue of the clubs maiden Premiership success, is the strongest statement yet of the Mariners’ unwavering aspiration to become Australia’s premier football club.

Though pleased with their off-field accomplishment, the Mariners are also conscious of the immediate challenges facing all Hyundai A-League clubs, not least through the introduction of two new domestic leagues – the National Youth League and the Westfield W-League, and the recently announced decision to expand the Hyundai A-League to ten teams from the 2009/10 season.

"We as a club and I personally would like to express sincere thanks to each of the shareholders and early investors of the Mariners who had the immense fortitude to commit to such a new venture in a new competition in a sport with very little historical corporate support," said Mariners Deputy Chairman and majority shareholder Peter Turnbull.

"The Directors and Management of the club have been working feverishly off the field to capitalise on the outstanding on-field success the club has enjoyed to provide solid foundations for the Mariners to prosper well into the future.

"We must also thank each of our sponsors and corporate supporters, who last season contributed some $3 million to our cause.

"Lastly but not least, it is a reflection of the outstanding work of everyone associated with the Mariners, from the playing group, coaching staff and administration to our Members and supporters that we have been able to progress from a concept on a sheet of paper to a turnover of $7 million within three years – a tremendous effort."

Looking forward, there are several exciting initiatives currently being developed by the Mariners that will be unveiled in due course over the next twelve months.

Planning is advanced for the location and construction of a permanent training and administration base for the Mariners, which will include a world class one of a kind centre of excellence training facility and Academy base, sports science building, offices and ancillary facilities.

Through the Mariners Academy program, the Mariners will continue to offer elite and expanded development training programs for talented players and coaches within the Mariners’ network of grassroots associations.

The Mariners Academy will also be expanded to include a program of overseas tours for elite junior players throughout the Mariners’ worldwide network of affiliated clubs abroad, including Sheffield United in England, Chengdu Blades in China, Sao Paolo in Brazil and Ferencvaros in Hungary.

"Having been able to turn a profit from a Hyundai A-League team, we are now working to ensure that the same applies after accounting for the new challenges offered by the National Youth League and the Westfield W-League, as well as an increased salary cap and Under 23’s marquee player system," said Turnbull.

"In that light, the Mariners are continuing to expand the commercial activities of the club in generating non-football related revenue to supplement the operations of a football club.

"There is a lot to look forward to in the short to medium term and myself and our Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman are absolutely convinced that the Mariners will become the centre of excellence for football in Australia and, indeed, we have already taken very significant steps in achieving this ultimate goal."

Read More...

Summary only...

Radio:Mariners all over it!

Nationally:
Dylan Macallister, Lawrie McKinna talk us through the Magnificent Mariners.
Young Matildas Coach Alen Stajic reviews the recent camp and looks ahead.
We review the A-League Round 3, talks Socceroos v Holland and have dedication and quiz questions and all the news.

Locally:
Extended interview with Canberra United W-League Coach Robbie Hooker talks about his new role.
And Chris and Russ review the Men and Women's Premier League Final series.
Chris goes Magic 8 Ball crazy!

Tonight from 6:30pm or on the podcast here tomorrow.

Read More...

Summary only...

Magnificent Mariners...Mile and McAllister

Central Coast Mariners smashed Queensland 4-2 and Sydney FC put five (5-2) past Perth.

The Mariners lost Ahmed Elrich for the season due to injury and Adrian Caceres before the match.

But they needn't have worried.

Mile Jedinak was back and wiped out any threat from Charlie Miller or indeed any Roar player. How the Mariners had missed him.

Keeper Mark Bosnich returned significantly overweight but it was Liam Reddy who stole the show...with a number of embarassing errors giving Matt Simon and Dylan MacAllister easy opportunities. They both scored.

The Mariners looked well-organised this week. Jedinak ran the show and scored a wonderful free-kick. Their confidence grew throughout.

They may have lost their wingers but with Dylan MacAllister adding a serious goal threat, two on debut he should have had three, the Mariners will take some stopping.

Even if they have no width.

The Roar have a lot of work to do. Matt MacKay and Massimo Murdocho huff and puff but they'll rarely blow much down, not regularly anyway. One has to go and Frank Farina needs to reshape his team.

Danny Tiatto is way too slow at full-back these days and Robbie Kruse needs to start.

He, not Michael Zullo, was dynamic last season and it's time to give him an extended run.

Farina has plenty of talent but the team is lacking variety and invention. They may do better away from home. With Reddy gifting goals a poor performance tonight was punished further.

In Sydney Perth somehow contrived to give away a shocking first goal to Alex Brosque. Eugene Dadi showed they are a team to reckon with, if they get their collective minds on the job.

Dino Djubic was sent-off for abusing or maybe even spitting at the ref and Sydney converted the penalty and scored at will for a 4-1 half-time score.

Were Sydney any good? Hard to tell. But their fourth goal showed three Sydney players in the box waiting for a cross. Shannon Cole scored and that might be the difference.

Players actually getting into the box. Sydney missed that last year. Corica, Cole Bridge, Brosque all scored and John Aloisi came on to look for more goals. Sydney were shocking in the second half against ten men. Perth were poor throughout. But it's Sydney's goal threat that will give them hope this season.

They are already top...with Melbourne.

Interestingly Canberra's Nikola Topor-Stanley looks jaded, like his mind or body hasn't quite returned from Beijing. Seems like he needs a break after three months training leading into the Olympics. But there's no time for that is there?

Read More...

Summary only...

A-League: Goals, Cole, Goals

Shannon Cole scored a superb late free-kick to give Sydney FC an away win in Gosford, and Jade North found the net even later for the Jets in Perth.

Goals everywhere in the opening games.

Shannon Cole scored the winner, he almost did the same the week before against Melbourne. Last week his free kick bounced off the post, this week it went in to seal the win against the Mariners.

Not bad for a 24 year old just starting out in the A-League.

Central Coast Mariners up against ten men must have thought there was only one winner as the clock went down, but it wan't to be.

Stuart Musialik, sent-off, for a crude foul and then verbal abuse of the referee. Seems like Stuey has a few problems, still, to contend with. And it was his debut for Sydney and now he's out. Well done Stuey, top effort. All I can say is you are following in the proud tradition of Sydney FC players getting sent-off because of their lack of professionalism. Alex Brosque, Steve Corica and Ruben Zadkovich just three who come to mind.

The Mariners are missing Mile Jedinak. There is a huge hole in their midfield. The strength the enforcer brings is lacking and the points are falling away.

His replacement Brad Porter gave away two points last week against the Jets. Would Sydney have romped around for their first two if Mile was their? I think not.

Sydney for their part showed what a difference a forward makes. Last season Steve Corica had Alex Brosque in front of him and that was it. Now they have Mark Bridge and the passing between the three will allow more options...for one of the league's best..Corica. Should be interesting to watch as the three develop.

Sydney with a forward line...could be interesting:)

The Mariners worked like Mariners, Ahmed Elrich still no-where near his flamboyant best, and I guess with a pre-season under his belt he never will be.

Adrian Caceres is what eveyone knows, a wonderfully gifted player, but limited to influence games only occasionally. I think Lawrie McKinna bought a dud here. Especially in terms of Championship winning medals. Has Caceres ever had one, or even Ahmad?

The Mariners could struggle for points, for fans this year. They've never been outside the top four and for all their success the crowds could drift if the team aren't performing.

Travelling fans from Sydney and Newcastle inflate the Mariners crowds but last night the game drew only 11,000. How much for a game against Perth if the team are struggling?

And in Perth a raucous crowd saw the Glory win their seventh ever A-League game. Well that is if you don't count the 93rd minute plus 45 seconds. Jade North scored a dire goal to send both teams home with the points. A dire goal from Perth's point of view.

Is it possible to lose such a goal in the last ten seconds in professional football when the ball is in the other keeper's hands? Clearly it is.

I like Amaral Perth's newest and oldest Brazilian. Nice on the ball, a great passer, should be fun to watch.

Eugene Dadi scored and that's more than Brian Deane ever did and he looked able, well able to bring others into the game. Nikita Rukavystya slotted a beauty. A great finish, pity he couldn't do it against Argentina. And local lad Scott Bulloch is going to have a prescene this year. Good to see.

The Jets had James Holland impressing in midfield. Eduardo Zura needs more time and Kaz Patafta came on late.

But like in Melbourne Kaz must be jinxed. The other team always score, or so it seems, as soon as Kaz appears. It wasn't his fault, Tarek Elrich..well let's just say it was his! Anyway a goal always seems to come for the opposition as soon as Kaz enters the fray.

Both games were open affairs, poor tactically I guess and Ernie Merrick would have died for a 0-0. But let's have more, let the flair players do their stuff and the league to encourage 3-3 over 0-0 anyday.

It won't last, Mile Jedinak will return, and Gary Van Egmond may shift Adam Griffiths into centre midfield and bring young Ben Kantorovski in. Stuey Musialik has already gone from the Jets, Gary Van Egmond is missing him or any real defensive midfielder badly in the holding role and The Jets are struggling to win games as a result.

Interestingly Jobe Wheelhouse was dragged in Friday. Is that the end of him?

Perth will be very hard to beat at home, Sydney have shown they are perhaps along with Melbourne the team to beat.

Early days, The Roar and Adelaide have yet to play.

Goals galore and hats off to Shannon Cole. Brilliant stuff.

Read More...

Summary only...

ACT Rockets/ACTAS Match reports/Quotes etc

Russ Gibbs reports on ACT Rockets v Mariners and ACTAS v Youth Rockets. (See below)

ACT Rockets v Central Coast Mariners
(Deakin Football Stadium, Deakin)
Friday 27th June 2008, Kick off: 7.00pm


ACT ROCKETS v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS


Match Report
ACT Rockets 0 Central Coast Mariners 4

By Russ Gibbs

A ruthless Central Coast Mariners racked up a convincing four-nil victory over the ACT State Representative team, the Rockets, on a chilly Friday evening at Deakin Oval in Canberra. First half goals from Predrag Bojic, Frank Lagana and Sasho Petrovski were added to by a late strike from substitute Matthew Osman as the Mariners rounded out their pre-season trip to the nation’s Capital in some style.

After a disappointing performance against local ACT Premier League outfit Belconnen United two days previously, a match in which they were rescued from a draw by a ninetieth minute winner from Belconnen’s own Taylor Beaton, the A-League side were given a royal dressing down by coach Lawrie McKinna and it showed in their opening half performance as they relentlessly took advantage of any mistakes made by the home team to roar into an unassailable three goal lead.

Striker Frank Lagana almost gave the Mariners a dream start inside the first minute, pouncing onto a through ball to fire a low drive that Nathan Denham did well to block to his right.

It wasn’t long before the professionals took the lead though as a near-post flick from a corner found Predrag Bogic unmarked on the far post and the triallist was left with the simplest of tasks to poke the ball into the unguarded net.

Whatever McKinna had said to his charges at the Thursday morning training session appeared to be having the desired effective as the visitors doubled their lead seven minutes from the interval.

Frank Lagana collected a superb ball over the top before unleashing a sublime chip over the advancing Denham and into the far corner of the net. By this stage the Rockets, who appeared a little overwhelmed in the opening half an hour, had begun to find their feet a little.

However, the much vaunted strike duo of Goran Veljanovski and Paul Ivanic were left with only scraps to feed off and largely untroubled Andrew Redmayne in the Mariners goal.

The pace of the match was a telling tale for the Rockets who, at times, struggled to come to grips with the slick passing moves and instant control of the Mariners side.

Full-back Justin Selkirk, of the O’Connor Knights, was one who shone for the home team negating the attacking forays of Dean Heffernan and Ahmad Elrich to some effect.

Canberra FC central defender Jon Ison was also in good form but both were powerless to prevent Sasho Petrovski taking the score to 3-0 before half-time. The striker had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he forced a shot through Denham on the near-post to start what was a lively night for the under-pressure forward.

After the interval Dean Ugrinic and Scott Conlon changed tactics slightly and the pace of Oliver Wiederkehr and David Kemp began to cause some headaches for McKinna.

Rockets skipper Paul Ivanic nearly brought the home crowd to its feet with a curling right foot shot from the edge of the penalty area that seemed destined for the net until Redmayne produced a stunning save diving full length to his left to palm the ball away for a corner. A quite exquisite save from a shot that seemed destined for the goal.

Mariners substitute Matthew Osman supplied a well-taken fourth goal of the evening, capping a lively twenty-two minute cameo on his return from injury, which would have pleased the Central Coast coaching staff. Osman slipped his marker and advanced on Rockets substitute ‘keeper Brett Dickens, before slipping a neat shot past the Tuggeranong United stopper’s attempted block to complete the scoring.

In the end the professionals simply had too much in the locker for their amateur counterparts, but it was a good night’s entertainment watched by an appreciative crowd and will prove a valuable learning experience to all the ACT player’s involved.

Match Reaction

Lawrie McKinna (Head Coach, Central Coast Mariners): “This was a good performance compared to Wednesday; we were a totally different side. We played some great football in the first half and their ‘keeper had to make two or three good saves.

I was happy with our movement and the support play was excellent. Full credit to the ACT team they put us under pressure in the second half when they out the fliers on, there is a fair bit of pace in that team and they pinned us back for a while. I wasn’t impressed by the performance on Wednesday. We were not switched on and Belconnen made it very hard for us.

I made it clear to the players that they need to prepare correctly for matches like these and, yes, we had a few words about it. I’ve got six or seven players unavailable through injury or international duty so the pressure is on the guys in this squad, but overall I’m happy.

As for the Youth players we watched (in the Youth Rockets v ACTAS match that preceded the main game) young Luke Pilkington looked promising and caught the eye. We are looking to organise a get together for the young players when we come down again in a few weeks for the Newcastle Jets match so we will take another look at some of them then.”

Dean Ugrinic (Head Coach, ACT Rockets): “I thought we were a little bit panicky in the first half, but in fairness I don’t think the score reflected the performance. We defended well and they scored their goals off our mistakes.

"When we managed to get the ball down we played some good football and we had much better possession in the second half and were able to execute some of the stuff we have been working on in training.

"After the break we started tracking their runners more effectively and for a first run out for this squad it was really, really good. This match just goes to show that Canberra needs a top-level outfit so that we do not fall behind the other regions too far in terms of our development. As for our players, Justin Selkirk was outstanding and both Jon Ison and Adam Spaleta were fantastic.”

Scott Conlon (Assistant Coach, ACT Rockets): “In a short time that we had our squad together we did our best to formulate a game plan and take it out there and to some extents we did that.

"A lot of their training ground set pieces and drills caught us out, but we tightened up in the second half. It was plain the Mariners didn’t want to lose this evening and they needed the result after Wednesday’s performance. They were clinical and when we did make mistakes in the wrong areas of the field they punished us.”

Paul Ivanic (Captain, ACT Rockets): “We played really well in the second half when we pressed on them and it was a great learning experience. Maybe we were a bit overwhelmed in the first half but it was obvious that they could think quicker and were more physically stronger than us. It was definitely a step up in class. I thought I had scored at one stage but the ‘keeper made a good stop.”

Justin Selkirk (Defender, ACT Rockets): “I had an absolute ball and enjoyed every minute of it even though it finished 4-0! I am from the Central Coast and you don’t get the chance to play against teams like this every day of the week. We made some errors, but we played much smarter in the second half on what was a fast and very slippery ground.

"I have loved playing with all these guys for the past month and I believe we have learned a lot from each other, especially our attitude and enthusiasm which was awesome again. Even when we were down everything was so positive.”


GOAL SEQUENCE

Minute Scorer Team Score

14

Predrag BOGIC
Central Coast Mariners
0-1

38

Frank LAGANA
Central Coast Mariners
0-2

45

Sasho PETROVSKI
Central Coast Mariners
0-3

71

Matthew OSMAN
Central Coast Mariners
0-4

• Earlier in the evening in a special trial match organised to showcase the talent in the ACT, the ACT Youth Rockets defeated the ACTAS side 2-1 in a keenly fought encounter.

A fine headed goal from Tim Cole after thirty-four minutes gave the Youth Rockets the lead in the first half before Dean Tomeski side-footed home a neat equaliser for ACTAS with eighteen minutes remaining.

The Youth Rockets grabbed the spoils when substitute Yianni Karabalis netted the match-winning goal in the 82nd minute from close range. It was a useful work out for both sets of boys many of whom impressed the watching Alex Tobin and Lawrie McKinna from the Central Coast Mariners with Woden Valley midfielder Luke Pilkington warranting attention.

ACT Youth Rockets: Codey Larkin, Zak Maybury, Jonathan Reis, Benard Rene (Aaron Cashman), Ryan Jones (Cameron Gordon), Tim Cole (Tal Evans), Josip Jadric (Phillipe Bernarbo), Luke Pilkington, Zak Knight, Kole Aitken, Matt Atkins (Yianni Karabalis)
Goals: Tim Cole (34), Yianni Karabalis (82)

ACTAS: Jack Pettit, Dylan De Montis, Chris Bush, Ben Mitchell, Steven Lustica, Dean Tomeski, Tom Rogic, Alex Meibush, Edgar Daly, Rocco Strika, Tom Davies
ACTAS Substitutes (all used): James Bradbury, Ben Harrington, Andrew Gibson, Declan Poon, Zvonimir Rogic, Stephen Domenici, Danai Gapare, Izach Clemens, Joe Chapman
Goals: Dean Tomeski (72)

Read More...

Summary only...

Alex Tobin back from Brazil

Alex Tobin, Central Coast Mariners Development Manager is back from Brazil, Sao Paolo to be exact. Mariners Release below.

Tobin returns from eye opening São Paolo excursion

Central Coast Mariners Development Manager Alex Tobin has returned from a week-long stay with Mariners’ sister club São Paolo in Brazil eager to further establish the yellow and navy’s links with one of the true giants of world football.

Tobin was given a rare insight into São Paolo’s truly one of a kind facilities in Brazil’s most populous city by virtue of the Mariners’ relationship with English Championship club Sheffield United, who have formalised links with both the Mariners and São Paolo in recent times.

While in São Paolo, Tobin was treated to a viewing of the club’s staggering youth academy and senior squad structures, which over the years has produced an astounding number of world class players including no less than Brazilian national team icons Adriano, Cafu, Juninho and Kaká – the world’s most expensive footballer.

The São Paolo youth development network is commonly regarded as the best in South America, if not the world, and continues to produce wave after wave of exceptional footballers, many of whom dominate the big leagues of Europe, South America and Asia at present.

"The quality on show during my stay, on and off pitch, really has to be seen to be believed," said Tobin.

"It’s quite phenomenal just how well resourced São Paolo FC is by way of facilities and infrastructure and this translates to a talent pool at their disposal that would be the envy of any professional football club in the world.

"The trip was hugely beneficial in terms of further developing the relationship between the Mariners, Sheffield United and São Paolo and we will certainly explore these links in greater depth in the future – both long and short term.

"The prospect of São Paolo sending one or more of their best youngsters to the Hyundai A-League to link with the Mariners is one that appeals to them, as it provides the player with a chance to develop their game in an environment different to what they would be typically used to, as well as providing us with a top-class player capable of contributing most positively to our season.

"This is just one of the initiatives that were talked about between the clubs that were so kindly invited to experience São Paolo’s facilities and we will absolutely keep the lines of communication open between all that belong to our worldwide network in the lead up to the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season."

Read More...

Summary only...

Belconnen Beaton by Taylor!

Match Report By Russ Gibbs
Belconnen United 1 Central Coast Mariners 2
(BU: Dustin Wells 33’) (CCM: Taylor Beaton 63’, 90’)


BELCONNEN UNITED v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
Match Report
Belconnen United 1 Central Coast Mariners 2
(BU: Dustin Wells 33’) (CCM: Taylor Beaton 63’, 90’)

By Russ Gibbs




Match Report
Belconnen United 1 Central Coast Mariners 2
(BU: Dustin Wells 33’) (CCM: Taylor Beaton 63’, 90’)

By Russ Gibbs

Belconnen United were undone by one of their own at the Belconnen Soccer Centre on Wednesday evening as the Central Coast Mariners defeated Steve Forshaw’s plucky troops by the odd goal in three thanks to a brace from current Blue Devils youngster Taylor Beaton. The Belconnen midfielder shone in both halves, the first played in the Blue of the home team and the second in the yellow of the visitors as he trialled for the A-League franchise.

But it was for the Central Coast that he stamped his mark on the match with a pair of expertly converted goals, the second coming with literally the last kick of the match, to secure the Booz and Company Cup for Lawrie McKinna’s men. Beaton would have done his chances of securing a contract with the Mariners Youth set-up no harm at all with an all-action display that lifted a lacklustre Mariners outfit to victory.

The first half belonged to the home side, egged on by a lively crowd of over 800. Belconnen’s performance belied their recent form slump in the ACT Premier League, with last Sunday’s goalless draw at home to Queanbeyan City seemingly costing the club any hopes of a minor Premiership as they drifted seven points behind competition front runners Canberra FC.

After a scrappy opening period the Blue Devils stunned their illustrious visitors with a goal after thirty-three minutes that will no doubt have pleased head coach Forshaw. David Kemp stormed through from midfield with a lung-bursting run taking him at the heart of the Mariners defence before slipping a slide rule pass through to the advancing Dustin Wells. The former Wellington Phoenix tyro took one touch before smashing a low drive past the hapless Andrew Redmayne and into the corner of the net.


The response from the visitors was immediate as last season’s A-League Grand Final runner’s-up lifted the ante. A swift break saw Dean Heffernan cut the ball back to ace-predator Sasho Petrovski and the Mariners hit-man looked certain to score only to be denied by a sensational defensive block. Belconnen shot-stopper Alex Connell then made a superb reflex save to deny Dylan MacAllister a sixth pre-season goal, but in truth the Central Coast opportunities were few and far between. At the other end Belconnen probed for a second before the break but to no avail.

The half-time interval saw Taylor Beaton switch sides in order to give Lawrie McKinna the chance to see the youngster in action at close quarters and he certainly impressed. His verve and swagger gave lie to his tender years as with some experienced colleagues surrounding him he took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Freed into the penalty area just after the hour mark Beaton composed himself to coolly slot the ball past the advancing Connell to level the scores prompting much angst amongst the parochial home support who, on the one hand were glad for Beaton, but on the other were hoping he missed!

No such luck for Belconnen on that occasion, but the crowd would have been delighted by the spirit and determination showed by their favourites as they more than matched the professionals. With Socceroo’s Heffernan, Petrovski and Ahmad Elrich in the line-up as well as seasoned pros such as Andrew Clark, Alex Wilkinson and John Hutchinson, this was by no means a second-string Mariners team and yet the Blue Devils were more than their equal for large swathes of the clash. Indeed the match looked to be heading for a draw until the Beaton’s denouement.

There were only seconds remaining on the clock when the Central Coast pressed for a winner down the right flank. A cross field ball fell kindly to Beaton twenty-five yards from goal and the Belconnen boy lashed home a cracking first-time drive low into the bottom corner of the net to seal what was an underserved victory.

It was a harsh conclusion for Belconnen who were worthy of a draw but it was a night to remember for Taylor Beaton who may have taken a major step towards A-League stardom.


Match Details

Central Coast Mariners 30. Andrew Redmayne (gk), 6. David D’Apuzzo (11. Taylor Beaton 57’), 7. John Hutchinson, 8. Dean Heffernan (16. Jamie Lobb 46’), 9. Predrag Bojic, 10. Frank Lagana (17. Matthew Osman 74’), 15. Andrew Clark, 18. Alex Wilkinson, 21. Ahmad Elrich, 22. Sasho Petrovski (12. Nathan Moseley 66’), 27. Dylan Macallister

Yellow Cards Elrich 88’
Red Cards None
Goals Beaton 59’, 90’+3

Belconnen United 20. Alex Connell (gk), 3. Dustin Wells, 4. Lee Pietrukowski, 5. Taylor Beaton, 6. Ian Waldon, 7. Cameron Beaton, 8. Cameron Reinhart, 9. David Leet, 11. David Kemp, 14. Steve O’Callaghan, 15. Nuru Somi

Substitutes 1. Ben Cheyne (gk), 2. Matthew Valeri, 12. Marc O’Neill, 13. Scott Blewitt, 17. Phillip Brugead, 18. Ryan Kyprianou

Yellow Cards None
Red Cards None
Goals Wells 34’

Referee Gary Vanderburgt





span>

Read More...

Summary only...