On a fabulous Friday night for Central Coast Mariners, Paul Okon’s men deservedly defeated reigning champions Sydney FC 2-0 to register their first win of this Hyundai A-League season
The Mariners shutdown Sydney FC in midfield and took their few chances when they arose in Gosford.
In doing so, the Mariners moved temporarily into the six on six points while inflicting the Sky Blues’ first defeat this Hyundai A-League campaign.
STORY OF THE GAME
- Sydney FC were immediately into their groove, moving the ball well and asking the Mariners questions.
- But it was hosts who stunned the reigning champions with an opening goal inside the first 20 minutes.
- That changed the game’s momentum, and it was the Mariners who looked the more fluent over the remainder of the half. 1-0 at the break.
- Five minutes after the resumption of play, Sydney FC playmaker Milos Ninkovic was taken off after a head clash. He returned to the park after getting the go-ahead.
- It got worse for the Sky Blues with the Mariners smashing home a second goal minutes later.
- Tempers flared as the game became increasingly feisty over the final 30 minutes.
- Mariners sub Kwabena Appiah was a menace with his speed and he very nearly found a third.
- Sydney FC hit the post with an Alex Wilkinson header inside the final 10 minutes.
- Mariners skipper Alan Baro was red-carded after a second yellow on 84 minutes to ensure a frantic finale.
- Ben Kennedy in the Mariners goal with solid work in the last few minutes to keep the desperate Sky Blues out.
GOALS
Hoole, Central Coast Mariners 18’: 1-0
Superb goal on the break. De Silva and Asdrubal combined on the counter before the Spaniard put Hoole through on goal and the former Sky Blue striker stroked it low and across Andrew Redmayne.
McGing, Central Coast Mariners 55’: 2-0
Corner swung in and McGing got himself free to power his header home off the underside of the bar and in.
