After failing to win in the opening two rounds, Western NSW Mariners FC is up and running in the New South Wales National Premier League 3 after a drought-breaking victory at Bathurst’s Proctor Park.
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The Mariners’ hard-fought 2-1 win over Stanmore Hawks was the side’s first victory in the competition since May 28 of last year.
That’s almost 12 months without a win – 302 days to be exact.
Mariners skipper Adam Scimone said it’s a result that can build momentum going forward.
“It was a tough game but there’s a lot of belief in the team, which is different from last,” he said.
“The win will give us motivation to keep going.
Scimone said the Hawks played direct in the first half and were solid all over park and the 0-0 scoreline at half-time was something the Mariners were hoping for.
“In the second half we took the game to them. Nathan Davis made a break and got smashed in the box,” Scimone said.
“Matt Hobby took the penalty and we were dominant from then. We made another break down the field and got a free kick.
“Jaiden Culbert took it and hit it in the top right hand corner.”
The Hawks didn’t give up without a fight and scored with 15 minutes remaining.
“It was a lapse in concentration,” he said.
“We were lucking because their centre back had a cracker shot from 35 yards out and it hit the crossbar.
“It was good to get the win. We won mid-week [in the FFA Cup] and the draw against Granville last weekend helps build confidence.”
The Mariners will host Dunbar Rovers in their next outing, on April 1.
Kick-off will be a 6pm, for the match at Proctor Park