With ten minutes to go in the match against the A-League competition leaders, Sydney FC, it was still anyone’s game.
After a soft goal gifted to Sydney’s Milos Ninkovic by Mariners’ defender, Lewis Miller, in the opening minutes, the Mariners clicked into gear.
A scintillating header from Gianni Stessness was ruled off-side just before half time, with the replay leaving 5,367 die hard Mariners’ fans bemused, but alas, not the VAR.
Then came the press, with the Mariners targeting Sydney through the centre of the pitch with a series of short, fluid short passes, but to no avail.
Several opportunities were missed, including two by Jack Clisby, a header off a clever curling cross from McGlinchey, and then a second strike that cannoned over the bar.
Tensions built as players on both sides became frustrated and yellow cards soon followed, to Lewis Miller, Danny de Silva and Paulo Retre from Sydney.
Tommy Oar, Sam Silvera and eventually Matt Simon all came on in the second half in an attempt to crack the Sydney defence.
But it was the young 18 year old debutant for Sydney, Marco Tillio, who came on in the 89th that put the first nail in the Mariners’ coffin.
Shortly afterwards, he made another incisive break through the centre of the ground, finding Harry Van Der Saag, who accelerated through the Mariners’ tired defence and slotted one of the most stunning goals of the season to seal the win for Sydney 3-0.
The win means that Steve Corica’s side have extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches, opening up a 13-point lead at the top of the ladder.
While it wasn’t their most fluent performance of the season, it was a well-earned one after their long trip back from a crushing 4-0 loss in the AFC Champions League in Japan midweek.
For the Mariners, the pain of another defeat, despite being competitive, weighs heavily.
They have now won just one of their last 17 encounters with Sydney F.C.
Coach, Allen Stajcic, appeared to be furious in a half-time conversation with referee, Chris Beath, after the Stessness goal was disallowed and there were some reports of a melee in the tunnel between the coaching staff.
“I’ve seen a blocker in every free kick from a wide area this year, and then that was the first one that was pulled up for some reason,” Stajcic later said.
It was also clear from Stajcic’s post-match interview that he is not content to be sitting at the bottom of the ladder with just 13 competition points.
“None of us here are happy with where we’re at, with the results and where we’re at on the table.” he said.
“We just know how much harder we have to work.
“It’s not about being competitive, it’s important and we know we’re building, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to start picking up results as well.”
Stajcic has repeatedly emphasized his concern with his team’s lack of ability to finish off chances.
“At the end of the day you have to score goals, and we haven’t been clinical enough in the front third and that’s quite obvious.
“The crosses into the box and the shooting hasn’t been at the right level,” he said.
The Mariners will now travel to Geelong to face Western United.
The subsequent match, at home against the Weelington Phoenix, will see the Mariners swap their yellow and navy kit for Pink to raise awareness for skin cancer research in partnership with Cancer Council NSW.
The annual Pink Round has now run for eight consecutive seasons raising over $60,000 through the generosity of its members and fans.
Skin cancer awareness is a cause close to the Club’s heart, with Carina Gumprecht, wife of former Mariner, Andre Gumprecht, currently battling a Stage 4 Melanoma.
“Pink Round is an important opportunity for the Central Coast Mariners to show support and give back to our community,” Club CEO, Shaun Mielekamp, stated.
“We hope everyone can get behind Pink Round and come to the game to show their support for the Mariners, and for Cancer Council NSW.”
Source:
Media release
Central Coast Mariners
Reporter: Ross Barry