The Central Coast Mariners were denied what would have been a match-winning goal in its pre-season friendly with A-League runners-up Melbourne Victory in Launceston on Sunday, which ended 0-0.
Patricio Perez was brought down on the edge of the box in the latter stages of his first half of football in Mariners colours, and the resultant free kick found Adam Kwasnik who headed into the net.
The assistant referee had other ideas, and ruled Kwasnik was in an offside position, ensuring the game remained scoreless, as it did after 90 minutes.
Mariners captain Alex Wilkinson said he was unsure of whether the call was correct.
“I-m not sure. That-s the way it is, it-s pretty tough to make the call when there are players are crossing over but it would have been nice to grab that goal going into the second half,” he said.
Mariners coach Graham Arnold was grateful for the hitout, and learnt about an A-League rival while also building match fitness in to his players.
“It-s always good to gauge ourselves against one of the best teams in the league and (Melbourne are) probably the most successful team in the history of the A-League at the moment, and I think we learned a few lessons but overall I was very happy,” Arnold said.
“It was a good game. I think both teams should be very happy, I think Melbourne would be very happy with their hitout as well because it-s good to get on the field and play matches.”
