Central Coast Mariners flyer Fabio Ferreira felt Sunday’s F3 Derby draw with Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium was a fair result.
In a typically intense derby in the Hunter, the Mariners trailed 1-0 at the break but secured a point thanks to Scott Galloway’s equaliser early in the second half.
Jets, Mariners all square in F3 Derby
Both sides had opportunities to win the match in an absorbing second half but neither were able to find the crucial breakthrough.
“I think it was a fair result,” Ferreira told Fox Sports post-match.
“Obviously it doesn’t help us but one point is better than none.
“We just have to focus on the next game.
Starting the day five points outside the top six, the Mariners edged one point closer to the finals spots but remain in ninth position.
And it was Ferreira – in his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance – that went closest to winning the match for the visitor’s midway through the second half.
With his weaker left foot, the Portuguese attacker let fly from about 25 metres out, forcing debutant Jets keeper Tomislav Arcaba to tip the ball over the bar with a stunning save at full stretch.
“It was a very good save,” Ferreira admitted.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t a goal. But I just have to keep going and hopefully score next game.
“And I’m very happy to get to 100 games too.”
Central Coast has a full week to prepare for their next match, with Melbourne City coming to Gosford on Sunday.