The Central Coast Mariners women carved out another vital victory in their Liberty A-League campaign on Saturday, March 9, overcoming Brisbane Roar in their own backyard, buoyed by stellar performances from Wurigumula and Kyah Simon.
This triumph marks a trio of consecutive wins for Emily Husband’s squad, a season-first, signaling their peak form as they make a pivotal push for the finals.
This aspiration could turn into a reality as early as next week when they face Canberra United at the cherished Our Paradise.
The Mariners seized control of the match with quick-succession goals bridging halftime, with Wurigumula netting her season’s seventh at the 45-minute mark, and Simon doubling the advantage shortly after the second half commenced.
The orchestrator of these pivotal moments was Annabel Martin, the dynamic full-back who provided two exquisite assists.
The initial half was a tight affair with Brisbane slightly leading in ball possession (52% to the Mariners’ 48%), yet the Mariners were more threatening in front of goal.
The climax of the half was characterized by missed opportunities and a crucial save, setting the stage for the Mariners’ breakthrough just before halftime through Wurigumula’s precision.
Coach Husband’s halftime talk proved inspirational, with the Mariners quickly extending their lead through Simon, thanks to Martin’s adept setup.
The Mariners held firm for a 2-0 victory, momentarily ascending to second place in the league standings before Sydney FC’s subsequent win nudged them to third.
Looking ahead, the Mariners are set to host Canberra United at Our Paradise, in what promises to be a crucial fixture as they near the end of their Liberty A-League home matches for the season.