Mark Jackson’s debut as head honcho couldn’t have gone any better for the Mariners, as they crushed Filipino outfit Stallion Laguna 9-1 in a scintillating display at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford on October 4.
The game was the first home game for the Australian League champions this season, the championship having earned them the right to play in the lucrative AFC Champions League this year.
Marco Tulio was the star of the show, bagging his first-ever Mariners hat-trick in a dominant performance that sent shockwaves through the league.
Dylan Wenzel-Halls was in fine form too, grabbing a brace, while Alou Kuol, Josh Nisbet, Angel Torres and Brian Kaltak all got in on the goal-scoring action.
The Mariners wasted no time making their mark, with Wenzel-Halls breaking the deadlock just six minutes in.
Torres set him up beautifully, and Wenzel-Halls made no mistake, slotting it home for a 1-0 lead.
Tulio joined the party 20 minutes later, connecting with fellow Brazilian Doka’s assist to double the lead.
But Stallion Laguna pulled one back against the run of play through Juan Trujillo, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
Tulio wasn’t done, though, and just before halftime he secured his double, thanks to a sublime cross from Torres.
The score at the break was 3-1 in favour of the Mariners.
The second half saw the floodgates open again, with Wenzel-Halls notching his second.
Then Brian Kaltak, fresh from a standout debut season, found the back of the net off a set-play corner.
Alou Kuol, coming off the bench, showcased his prowess with a brilliant long-range finish, extending the lead to 6-1.
Angel Torres joined the goal-scoring parade with some dazzling solo play, making it 7-1.
Josh Nisbet got his name on the scoresheet in the 85th minute and Tulio completed his hat-trick in style, smashing in the final goal of the game in the 91st minute.
The Mariners sealed a remarkable 9-1 victory on a wet and windy Gosford night, kicking off their AFC Cup campaign with a bang.
Brad Tapp’s return to the field after a year-long ACL injury added a special touch to an already memorable night.
The Mariners are now set to hit the road for their first A-League clash on October 20 in Adelaide, before returning home to face Bali United on October 26.
The Mariners’ fans will be buzzing with excitement after this astonishing display of dominance.
CCN Sport