It was a frustrating night for Central Coast Mariners fans at Industree Group Stadium on Friday, February 28, as both the men’s and women’s teams suffered disappointing losses in front of their home crowd.
The Mariners women took to the field first in the late afternoon, facing Western Sydney Wanderers in a match that ultimately slipped from their grasp.
Despite controlling possession and registering the most shots on goal, the home side fell to a 2-1 defeat after a late defensive collapse.
The Mariners looked set for victory when they broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, with a well-placed strike that sent the home crowd into celebration.
However, their failure to capitalise on further opportunities proved costly.
Defensive lapses allowed the Wanderers to strike back with two late goals, turning what could have been a crucial win into a frustrating loss.
Despite the setback, the Mariners women remain in sixth position on the A-League Women’s ladder, still in contention for a finals spot.
With key matches ahead, they will need to tighten their defence and ensure they make the most of their chances to secure their place in the postseason.
The men’s team followed in the evening, taking on Western United in another high-stakes match.
The first half was a tight contest, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough and heading into halftime locked at 0-0.
The second half, however, saw a flurry of goals, starting in the 52nd minute when Western United struck first with a cracking goal.
The Mariners experienced a brief lifeline after an own goal equalled the score line, but it was short-lived as the visitors took control.
Western United went on to dominate, scoring twice more to seal a 3-1 victory.
With this loss, the Mariners men now sit in 10th place on the A-League ladder, well outside the top six and in danger of losing touch with the finals race.
The Mariners will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn things around.
For both teams, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping their respective seasons.
