The Central Coast Mariners extended their unbeaten streak to seven games across all competitions, triumphing 3-0 over Brisbane Roar on December 21.
Angel Torres’s second-half double complemented Marco Tulio’s early goal in a remarkable away victory, marking the Mariners’ first road win of the Isuzu UTE A-League season.
This win was particularly notable as it marked the first defeat for Ross Aloisi’s Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in the 2023/24 season.
Mariners coach Mark Jackson’s strategic changes proved effective, with Alou Kuol and Harry Steele starting in place of Jing Reec and Miguel Di Pizio and Josh Nisbet shining in the number 10 role.
The match started tentatively, delayed by lightning, with the Mariners eventually dominating possession.
Tulio’s 27th-minute goal set the pace, capitalising on a well-timed pass from Storm Roux.
Danny Vukovic prevented an equalizer, thwarting Carlo Armiento’s attempt.
The second half saw the Mariners maintain dominance, despite a VAR disallowed goal.
Their persistence paid off with Torres scoring following a defensive lapse from Brisbane.
Another potential goal was ruled offside, but the Mariners’ defence, bolstered by late substitutions, remained impenetrable.
Torres sealed the win with a third goal in stoppage time.
The Mariners now enjoy a 10-day break before facing Perth Glory on New Year’s Eve.
This upcoming double-header, featuring both Mariners’ women Liberty A-League and Isuzu UTE A-League men’s teams, promises to be a grand celebration with post-game fireworks and will mark a historic year for the club.