The Central Coast Mariners men have pulled off yet another remarkable win, this time against their arch-rivals the Newcastle Jets in the last F3 Derby of the season.
Football chronicles will show that on Saturday, April 27 the Mariners overcame the Jets 3-1 in Newcastle in front of a crowd of 9,000 fans.
Though more importantly, the Central Coast team are on the brink of securing the Premiers’ Plate, needing just one more point after a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Newcastle Jets in the latest F3 Derby held at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Jets initially appeared more likely to score, creating several early opportunities. However, the Mariners first found the net in the 21st minute when Alou Kuol broke his 13-game goal drought with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, giving the Mariners the lead.
The second half saw a rapid response from Newcastle, levelling the score just 90 seconds in. Clayton Taylor delivered a precise cross that found Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, who headed in his 17th goal of the season.
While Newcastle increased their pressure seeking a lead, it was the Mariners who regained the advantage.
In the 82nd minute, substitute Harry Steele’s shot took a deflection and found the back of the net.
Moments later, another substitute, Ryan Edmondson, secured the victory by heading in a beautifully whipped free kick from Mikael Doka.
With this derby win, the Mariners not only took three vital points but also moved a step closer to lifting the Premiers’ Plate.
They return to Gosford to play Adelaide on Wednesday evening May 1 with high spirits and almost a guarantee of season-long supremacy, thanks to their remarkable performances this season.