EDITORIAL:
They’ve done it!
Win, lose or draw, the Mariners were the heroes of the Central Coast as they went into the A-League grand final at Industree Group Stadium last Saturday night.
Coasties had followed the team’s journey through the season and then the semis, with thousands pouring into the stadium and the nearby Leagues Club Park to cheer on the home team, beaming with pride that the boys in blue and gold had already taken out the Premiership Plate and the AFC Cup.
Homes and business were festooned in team colours and the game eclipsed all other topics of conversation as the game drew near.
And victory was sweet, when the Mariners clinched the grand final in a stunning game which was going Melbourne Victory’s way until the 11th hour.
The crowd went wild when a goal by Ryan Edmondson equalised the score in the 90th minute and with injury time not producing a winner, extra time saw Miguel Di Pizion find the net for a second goal, then Edmonson scored again in an exhilarating and history making finish.
The win saw the Mariners complete a trifecta of wins and secure their second successive grand final victory.
It was a fitting career end for retiring captain Danny Vukovic, with one CCN reader even suggesting a statue of him should be erected at the stadium.
Congratulations have been pouring in all week.
Central Coast Council said the Mariners’ journey to the championship had captivated and inspired the entire region, with the win bringing immense pride and joy to the entire community.
Gosford Erina Business Chamber said the event had created “a wonderful vibe” in the city centre.
But more, the little club with the big heart has given a community often divided a reason to unite in joyful pride.
Congratulations, Mariners!
Terry Collins
Great for the area. What a team. Hopefully a lot of future members in that crowd!
Like many of your readers I was disappointed that a factual error appeared in your report on the fantastic win by the Mariners. Ryan Edmondson scored the first goal, Miguel Di Pizio the second and Edmondson the third for a 3-1 win.
Thank you Alan, we will review and correct the error as it occurs.