The Central Coast Mariners remain winless on the road in nine A-League matches despite a commendable performance against Melbourne City.
Two second half goals to Bruno Fornaroli sealed the win for City, as captain Patrick Kisnorbo opened the deadlock with a supurb header in the first half.
Following Kisnorbo’s header in the opening fifteen minutes, the Mariners drew level through Nick Fitzgerald. The young attacker made a nuisance of himself all game, and scored a fantastic goal from range to pull the Central Coast back 1-1 before the break.
It was a fast, free-flowing game of football, with plenty of chances at both ends. Mitch Austin and Fabio Ferreira were constantly getting around the defence, but the final ball was lacking for both sides.
In the second half John Vant Schip brought on David Williams and Corey Gameiro, and these attacking changes made all the difference. Williams provided Fornaroli with his first assist, whilst Gameiro and Mooy were involved in the second.
Final Score
Melbourne City 3
Central Coast Mariners 1
Melbourne City come up against the resilient Central Coast Mariners in a must win match for coach John Van’t Schip. Join the Roar Sunday from 5pm (AEDT) for live scores and coverage.
If Melbourne City are to have any chance of challenging for the title this year, winning at home against the lower teams is a must. Central Coast have proven that they’re no easy beats in the first two rounds, with a hard fought 3-2 loss to Perth Glory in Round 1 followed by last week’s narrow 2-1 loss to Brisbane Roar.
But despite the resistance from opposition, Van’t Schip knows that results need to start coming his way as Melbourne City have just one point from the opening two rounds.
To make matters worse, City were kicked out of the FFA Cup midweek in a 3-1 defeat to Perth Glory. Van’t Schipt has copped crticism for fielding an under-strength side, with starts to Tando Velaphi, debutant Matthew Millar and youngster Ben Garrucio.
Ultimately, this second defeat to Perth Glory in just three weeks shows the tactical vulnerability of City, who are otherwise a strong side with plenty of ex-EPL experience and international players. On paper, they’ve got the squad to challenge for the title.
Four players return to the fold for City after plaguing injury problems. Corey Gameiro, Jacob Melling, Ben Williams and Ben Garrucio are all available for selection, and all are capable of making an impact.
For Central Coast, a win today is just as important to get their season underway. The Mariners have had several young players come into the squad during the off-season, and the first two matches of the campaign have highlighted a vulnerability in defence.
However, this youth has also brought a raw attacking mentality into the squad – a much-needed change from last season’s disappointments. With Josh Rose slotting into the backline to add experience, the likes of Storm Roux, Mitch Austin, Anthony Caceres and Michael Neill now have license to roam forward.
However, with a few issues plaguing them off the field, they will need to be full focussed.
Melbourne City have bolstered their defence during the off-season, and it will be put to good use against an exciting Central Coast Mariners side. Punters might favour the Mariners in this one, who are at $4.35 for a win to City’s $1.75.
Prediction: Melbourne City with their first win of the season – 2-1.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Fornaroli 'El Tuna', 'The Prickly Pear', is as natural a striker as you'll see anywhere. Tremendous goals tonight. Any aspiring young striker just needs to watch the highlights reel to see how its done. Still we seemed to fade in the last 10-15min giving CCM too much of the ball. A hang over from HeartFC days
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Full Time - The Central Coast Mariners remain winless on the road despite a commendable performance against Melbourne City. Two second half goals to Bruno Fornaroli sealed the win for City, as captain Patrick Kisnobro opened the deadlock with a supurb header in the first half. Following Kisnorbo's header in the opening fifteen minutes, the Mariners drew level through Nick Fitzgerald. The young attacker made a nuisance of himself all game, and scored a fantastic goal from range to pull the Central Coast back 1-1 before the break. It was a fast, free-flowing game of football, with plenty of chances at both ends. Mitch Austin and Fabio Ferreira were constantly getting around the defence, but the final ball was lacking for both sides. In the second half John Vant Schip brought on David Williams and Corey Gameiro, and these attacking changes made all the difference. Williams provided Fornaroli with his first assist, whilst Gameiro and Mooy were involved in the second. Final Score: Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+3 - Williams earns freekick on left wing. Final chance for City and possibly the match. Mooy to whip it in. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90 - Melbourne slowing the game down now. Despite a strong performance, JVS might not be so impressed with the final 20 minutes here. Mariners have dominated possession and field position. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
89 - Ferreira breaks down the right, and his cross into the box looks to have hit the hand of Garrucio. Ref claims no penalty Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
88 - What a pass from Caceres! He has controlled possession well today. Finds O'Donovan from deep and the striker then earns a corner. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
86 - Melling YC - Good chance again for Mariners in their attacking half. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
85 - Trifiro plays to O'Donovan, who took a touch then fired a shot across the face. It was too difficult a task to score from there. GOAL Mariners. OFFSIDE Very late call from the referee. O'Donovan was offside and although he didn't touch the ball, he interfered with Sorensen's line of vision. Correct call but very late. Fitzgerald would have had his second Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
84 - Counter City! Three v three, but he decides to cut inside and take it himself. Shot is deflected but not dealt with. Mooy then gets to the bi-line and whips it across the face. Gameiro is on the end of it, but couldn't get the right touch on it Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
83 - Great interplay between Fornaroli and Mooy. But Mooy's final pass is intercepted by McGing. Mariners break, with Heffernan getting his first touch. Melbourne are happy to clear long and continue to defend. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
82 - Glen Trifiro strikes but misses by a good metre. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
81 - Mariners make their third and final change. Ascroft off for Heffernan. Defender for attacker - Walmsley wants some sort of result. Set piece from range for Mariners. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
80 - Both Trifiro's on the park - Jason and Glen playing against each other. Mauk makes way for Jason Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
79 - Great chance Gameiro - he gets around the outside with a good change of pace and fires a shot toward goal from a tight angle. Izzo saves well. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
78 - Fitzgerald looks for the run of Austin but again Chapman tracked back well. Melbourne look to break. Mauk plays in Retre, who does well down the right. Gameiro shot! Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
76 - Liam Rose to Trifiro, but Melling steals the ball. Freekick for Mariners for foul off the ball. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
75 - Mariners still playing well in possession. Caceres, to O'Donovan, who was marked well from Chapman. Conner has been solid all night. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
James Anderson
Roar Guru
74 - Great lead up play from City for the goal, but it was the turn and finish from Fornaroli that made that goal possible. Good skill from the South American. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners
jamesb
Guest
Nice goal by City. They have the three points now!
James Anderson
Roar Guru
73 - Fornaroli!! What a goal that was! Fantastic turn on the edge of the box to create space for the shot. Gameiro played in a neat ball for Mauk, who found Fornaroli in the box. Melbourne City 3-1 Central Coast Mariners