The Central Coast Mariners preparations for the 2008 Pre-Season Cup were advanced considerably after a tough workout on Tuesday night.

The Australian team - which has a co-operation agreement with the Blades - were up against the Beijing-bound New Zealand U23s at Knox Grammar School, and the visiting Kiwis claimed a hard fought 2-1 victory.

Two first-half goals from set-pieces saw the New Zealanders go into the break with a two-goal advantage, before Dylan Macallister responded for the Mariners with his sixth pre-season strike in the 73rd minute.

The tenacious Olywhites were determined and strong from the opening whistle and provided the stern test that Lawrie McKinna's charges were after with the 2008 Pre-Season Cup set to kick off in five days time.