Two classy goals from Connor Pain and Leroy George were the high points after Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory drew 1-1 on Sunday night in Gosford.
In a clash that sprung to life in the second stanza, the Mariners hit the post twice in the final 20 minutes as they desperately searched for a winning goal.
Playing in pink shirts, Central Coast remain winless from four rounds but their late charge will give them hope, meanwhile Victory’s underwhelming start to the season continues.
STORY OF THE GAME
- Victory had the best chance of a fairly even first half – Big V defender Thomas Deng hitting the post.
- The game came to life in the second half when former Victory striker Connor Pain opened the scoring just after the break.
- Minutes later, a sublime Leroy George free kick got the Victory back on parity at 1-1.
- The Mariners hit back with Pain hitting the post with a beautiful curling shot.
- And sub Appiah rounded Victory’s defence and also hit the post as the hosts pushed desperately for a winner.
- Appiah had a header that was easily taken by Lawrence Thomas, but in the end, the Big V held on for a point well earned.
GOALS
Pain, Central Coast 57’: 1-0
The Mariners toyed with Victory on the edge of the box before Pain moved inside, shifted the ball across the box, found space and unleashed a lovely right-footed drive that beat Lawrence Thomas.
George, Victory 65’: 1-1
Leroy George curled a sublime equaliser from the right side of the box with a superb set piece past Tom Glover.
