A crowd of over 11,000 people packed Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on New Year’s Eve to watch the Central Coast Mariners men’s and women’s teams face off against Melbourne City in the club’s traditional end of year doubleheader.
The games showcased the Mariners’ trademark “won’t back down” attitude, with both matches ending in hard-fought draws thanks to clinical defence tactics used by both local teams.
The women’s team opened the proceedings with a tightly contested 0-0 draw against a strong Melbourne City side.
Despite both teams creating opportunities, City dominated the procession, though resolute Mariners defending and solid goalkeeping ensured the scoreboard remained untouched.
Melbourne City had two chances from the penalty spot.
Still, Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Langman denied the first, saving Rhianna Pollicina’s attempt, while City’s Mariana Speckmaier missed the second, bombing her shot wide.
The Mariners’ backline held firm under late pressure, earning a valuable point against the league’s top side this season.
In the men’s match, Melbourne City struck at 33 minutes, capitalising on a defensive lapse.
City’s Souprayen’s perfectly timed header found the bottom corner, leaving Mariners’ keeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen with no chance.
But the Mariners, spurred on by the vocal home crowd, found their way back into the game in the second half through rising star Nathan Paull.
The young defender made his mark just after the hour mark, heading home a well-placed deadball cross from Mikael Doka to bury the equaliser past the City goalkeeper.
The goal was Paull’s first of the season and further highlighted the 21-year-old’s growing influence on the side.
Both teams pressed for a winner in the final stages, but solid defensive efforts from both sides saw the match finish 1-1.
Mariners men’s Manager/Coach Mark Jackson praised his team’s resilience.
“It wasn’t the result we were hoping for, but the way the boys dug deep after conceding early was pleasing to see,” he said.
“Nathan’s goal was a great moment for him and the team.
Manager/Coach Mark Jackson
While neither team could secure a win, the Mariners walked away with valuable competition points and the satisfaction of entertaining their loyal supporters as they rang in the new year.
The New Year’s Eve games have become a beloved tradition for Central Coast fans, blending top-tier football with the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.
A dazzling fireworks display held immediately after the men’s match capped off the good feelings for locals.
Be the first to comment on "Mariners celebrate New Year’s Eve with doubleheader draws"