The Central Coast Mariners have pulled off a stunning comeback to overcome new rivals Western United 4-2 at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday evening.
The win may be confirmation that coach Mongomery’s intense pre-season training and management style is set to pay off for the local club.
The first half was a battle royal with the Mariners dominating the field of play but not able to convert their match control into goals despite a handful of great chances inside the box.
United opened the scoring before racing out to a 2-0 lead courtesy of a goal by ex-Mariner Connor Pain.
The Mariners emerged from the sheds energised, with Montgomery tunring to his bench, with Paul Ayongo, Garang Kuol and Jacob Farrell all coming onto the field.
Koul set up Cummings for the first of what would be four goals.
Then, Cummings did the set play for Beni Nkololo who found the back of the net to level the scores.
Next, it was the young Mariner Jacob Farrell who scored with a classy header to put the home side ahead on the scoreboard.
The final goal of the game was a sweet maneuver and assist by Cummings passed expertly to the half time sub Paul Ayongo who scored his first A-League goal to seal the deal and claim the important three points.
The game gave great hope to the modest local crowd and proved the mantra the Mariners have been spruiking ‘We won’t back down’ is now well and truly part of the club’s DNA.
The next game is against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday in Wanderers territory, the club putting on a supporters’ bus for the occasion.
Meanwhile, the club has confirmed their commitment to playing at Central Coast Stadium at least out to 2025/26 including the use of the ground for the A-league women’s matches.
CEO Shaun Mielekamp inked the contract with the new stadium manager VenuesLive this week, something that puts solid ground under the club, their supporters and sponsors.
Mr Mielekamp said. “Our Central Coast Mariners members and supporters are guaranteed at least 12 home matches of A-League Men’s football each season along with every Mariners A-League Women’s home game when our team enters the Liberty A-League Women’s competition from the 2023/24 season,”
David Abrahams