The best part of the final Central Coast Mariners’ game of their forgettable 2015-16 A-League season happened in the two hours after the full-time whistle.
The Newcastle Jets beat the home side by four goals to two and although some disappointed Mariners’ fans left the ground early, many stayed behind for well over an hour to farewell their season favourite Luis Garcia. The international star did not disappoint. Central Coast Mariners supporters and some visitors sporting Liverpool FC colours stood patiently around the stadium as Garcia made his way around the crowd.
Like a true professional he shook every hand, signed every piece of clothing, boot and body part offered up. Long-term Central Coast Mariners’ supporter and local football mum, Ms Kerry Sweetnam had made Luis Garcia a personal gift, a photo montage of his time with the Mariners, lovingly framed. “I just love the Mariners and I think Luis is absolutely amazing,” Ms Sweetnam said. “He has given so much passion and excitement to the game this year,” she said. Garcia happily signed Ms Sweetnam’s own copy of the framed gift and appeared delighted at the thought behind the collection of photographs.
The Mariners got off to the worst possible start in Gosford, conceding a goal and losing goalkeeper Paul Izzo to injury inside the opening minute. It didn’t get much better from there with Enver Alivodic scoring his fi rst Jets goal and Morten Nordstrand fi nishing with a delightful backheel. Central Coast twice got themselves within a goal but stand-in Newcastle skipper Mateo Poljak had the final say on proceedings.
The Mariners went close to pulling a goal back in the shadows of half-time but it was controversially denied. Mark Birighitti came rushing off his line to make a clearance but had an airswing allowing Luis Garcia to stroke the ball into an empty net from 30-yards. Unfortunately for the home side, the referee ruled that Roy O’Donovan had fouled Daniel Mullen in the buildup and the goal was disallowed.
Interview, Apr 9, 2016 Kerry Sweetnam, Gosford Match report, Apr 9, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners Jackie Pearson, journalist