The Central Coast Mariners were defeated 2-1 in their first home game of the season against A-League bottom-dwellers Perth Glory at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday. The loss follows a lacklustre draw against Wellington and a washed out opener against the Newcastle Jets two weeks ago.
Nic Montgomery’s new-look team now sits in equal last place on the A-league ladder after three rounds alongside Western United who they will play this coming weekend.
The crowd of 6,000-odd local families had gathered on a heavily overcast Sunday afternoon to see their team perform live for the fist time of the season.
The Mariners started the game well against a West Australian outfit with some good defensive play and some incisive attacks through the midfield.
Then in the 21st minute, Sammy Silvera drove home the first goal of the afternoon with uber confidence in a shot the Perth keeper just watched sail past into the back of the net.
Glory found an equaliser just minutes before half time, coming after a classic save from Mariners keeper Vukovic.
With the score line at one goal a piece the game’s three points were well and truly up for grabs.
The home side had the first chance in the second half, at the 51st minute a perfectly placed pass from Cummings across the field to Jacob Farrell left space on the left. Under pressure Farrell opted to hit a volley, with the ball curling wide of the mark.
Moments later Perth senced an opportunity and scored a goal that bounced off ‘ keeper Danny Vukovic after he performed a gymnastic initial save.
Now the Mariners went on attack, treating the home crowd to a series of aggressive plays in front of goal, though the tall Perth defence held their own and dragged out the play with ‘injury stoppage time’.
Five minutes of extra time intensified the Mariners’ efforts with multiple attempts to break through the Glory’s defence, though the full time whistle came handing the three points to the away side.
The home crowd left disappointed though not disheartened by their team’s hard fought effort, something that bodes well for the season ahead.
Montgomery’s team focus now turns to next weekend’s rescheduled game against Western United that will now be played in Gosford and not Mudgee due to the torrential rain that region is experiencing.
CCM fans get to see that match held at Central Coast Stadium next Saturday at 5pm.
David Abrahams