The Australian National Youth League kicked off on the weekend with reigning champions Gold Coast United recording a come-from-behind win.

After scoring twice in the last five minutes of the Grand Final to win 2-1 against Perth Glory last season, United produced a similar comeback by defeating Central Coast Mariners in Southport on Saturday. Bernie Ibini-Isei put the Mariners ahead in the 22nd minute before Ben Waering (66th minute) and Chris Harold (77th) guided the Gold Coast to victory.

In other NYL games, Newcastle Jets did the business against the Australian Institute of Sport in Adamstown, winning 4-1. Jon Griffiths (7th), James Virgili (43rd), Fabian Iacovelli 82nd and Scott Pettit (92nd) were on target for the Jets whilst Corey Brown (86th) did his best for the AIS on a disappointing opening day.

In Epping, Melbourne Victory were demolished 5-0 by Perth Glory with senior listed player Andrija Jukic netting twice in the final minutes of the first half. His name was joined by Sebit Oxet (27th), Cameron Edwards (45th) and Josh Risdon (68th) on the goalscorers sheet as the Glory ran riot over a hapless Victory outfit.

And finally, Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Perry Park. Roar's James Meyer scored the first of his two goals in the 4th minute before Tom Cirjak hit back for the Sky Blues 12 minutes later. Meyer grabbed his second ten minutes after half-time to restore Brisbane's lead before Kofi Danning struck for Sydney to make it 2-2. Matthew Thurtell put the Roar in front again in the 67th minute but Danning was able to convert from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining to deny Brisbane a win.