The Central Coast Mariners men’s team faced a tough day at home at Central Coast Stadium on November 10, going down 3-0 to Wellington Phoenix on a frustrating Sunday afternoon for fans and players alike.
The Nix had something to prove after last year’s solid season fell short, thanks in part to the Mariners’ dream form last season.
Despite dominating possession and firing off 21 shots, 10 of which were on target, the Mariners just couldn’t break past Joshua Oluwayemi in the Phoenix goal.
The first setback came with a stunning free-kick from Hideki Ishige, followed by a close-range finish from Kosta Barbarouses, putting the visitors firmly in the lead by halftime.
Sam Sutton added a third for Wellington in the second half, sealing the result.
Manager Mark Jackson spoke to media after the game saying: “Obviously this is not the result we want, we will lick our wounds and get back to it.”
Jackson and his squad have a break this weekend before taking on Newcastle Jets in the F3 Derby as part of the Sydney-based Unite Round on Friday night Nov, 22.
The Mariners will then return to Central Coast Stadium on December 3 to battle Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos in a high-stakes Asian Champions League Elite match.
The expectations ramp up further on December 8, with Sydney FC coming to Gosford for a massive A-League showdown, a game that may just signal the return to form for the region’s national champions.