The Central Coast Mariners endured a challenging weekend on December 13-14, with the men’s and women’s teams falling short in their respective matches.
In Round Eight of the Isuzu UTE A-League, the Mariners men’s team faced a tough night at home at Industree Group Stadium against Adelaide United on Friday evening, December 13, suffering a 4-0 defeat.
An early goal from Adelaide’s Archie Goodwin gave the visitors the advantage heading into half-time.
Adelaide capitalised on their momentum early in the second half, with quickfire goals from Panagiotis Kikianis and Stefan Mauk putting the game beyond reach for the Mariners.
Substitute Yaya Dukuly added a fourth, sealing a dominant performance for Adelaide and leaving the Mariners searching for answers.
The Central Coast Mariners women’s team also faced difficulties, with their match against Brisbane Roar in the Ninja A-League initially abandoned on Saturday night, December 14, due to a waterlogged pitch at Perry Park.
Persistent rain made conditions unplayable, forcing the game to be rescheduled for the following day.
When play resumed on Sunday, the Mariners fell just short in a closely contested match, with Brisbane Roar securing a 2-1 victory.
Matildas star Tameka Yallop proved the difference, her 80th-minute header clinching the win and propelling Brisbane to the top of the Ninja A-League standings.
Earlier in the match, the Mariners showed resilience, with teenager Tiana Fuller equalising after Deborah-Anne De la Harpe’s opener for the Roar in the second half.
Despite their efforts, the Mariners couldn’t contain Yallop’s decisive late goal.
The Mariners men’s team will look to regroup as they face a crucial match next week against Macarthur FC on Monday evening, December 23, while the women’s team aims to bounce back from the narrow loss and regain momentum in their campaign against Western United on Sunday, December 22.
Fans will be hoping for a reversal of fortunes as both sides strive to climb the league standings.