Adelaide United have come out on top against a valiant Mariners outfit in what was quite an entertaining end to the round.
REPORTS: REDS STAY ON A ROLL WITH 3-2 WIN
The match started in quite a spiteful fashion with the players giving referee Jarred Gillet lots to do early in the match, having to issue a number of yellow cards in the opening few minutes.
Both sides had a number of half chances, however neither side was able to break through until Fabio Ferreira converted the opening goal against his former side, breaking through one-on-one and finishing it off, giving the Mariners the lead.
The Mariners players then lifted after the opening goal. The explosive pace and energy of wingers Mitch Austin and Ferreira caused all sorts of problems for the Adelaide defenders.
It was all smiles for the Mariners heading into the break, however it was Adelaide United who came out the better side in the second half, flexing their muscle as they began to take control of the match.
The Reds were rewarded for their persistence up front with Isaias equalising from the set piece, curling one home in what was Adelaide’s first goal from a set piece this season.
Adelaide then continued to press and were controversially rewarded the lead as Bruce Djite pounced to guide the ball into the back of the net from an offside position.
The tone of the match then shifted as the Mariners began to take advantage of Adelaide’s fatigue as they began to press and put the Reds on the back foot.
However it just wasn’t meant to be for the Mariners as substitute Stefan Mauk sealed the deal, putting away his first goal in his new colours after a fantastic assist from Craig Goodwin in stoppage time.
There was more late drama to come, as substitute Josh Bingham slotted home the fifth goal of the match, giving the Mariners a brief glimmer of hope and scoring the 23rd goal of the round.
However, it was a case of too little too late for the Mariners, who despite putting in a valiant performance were simply outclassed by their opponents.
The win catapults Adelaide United into third position on the table ahead of their blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Victory on Friday night. The Mariners meanwhile also travel to Melbourne where they will face Melbourne City.
Final score
Central Coast Mariners 2
Adelaide United 3
Adelaide United will hope to extend their ten-game unbeaten run when they travel to Gosford to face the Central Coast Mariners. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
It was a night to forget last time out for the Central Coast, falling victim to a masterclass at the hands of the Brisbane Roar, who put four goals past a lacklustre Mariners outfit.
The Mariners fans have not had many reasons to cheer this season. Having only won three games, they currently sit at the bottom of the table, 15 points adrift of the top six. Making the finals may be little more than a dream, but claiming a win against red-hot Adelaide remains a possibility.
United have had two arduous games in as many outings, playing out a thrilling draw against Sydney last Friday night before going down to Shandong Lueng in their Asian Champions League qualifier.
The Reds have rejuvenated their season after poor performances earlier in the year. The flair and excitement have returned, and they are demanding the respect of their rivals with finals time approaching.
History favours Adelaide in this fixture, with the Mariners only managing one win in their last five encounters. However, given that Adelaide has endured two very difficult matches recently, the Mariners could cause an upset and send a message that they will not go down without a fight.
Central Coast have made three inclusions to the side that lost to the Roar last week. Mitch Austin returns from injury, while Trent Buhalgiar and Francesco Stella make their way into the first team. Defender Harry Ascroft will sit this one out as he serves a one-match ban.
Mariners manager Tony Walmsley confirmed former Liverpool star Luis Garcia will start for the first time this season. Garcia has made three appearances for the Mariners, scoring one goal and providing one scrumptious through ball which led to a goal.
Garcia’s presence will lift the spirit of the young Mariners, and provide a bit of stability and class in midfield.
In Adelaide team news, Guillermo Amor has insisted on blooding young talent; Ben Warland and Bruce Kamau both return to the first team while Ruon Tongyik has been included in what may be his A-League debut.
Iacopo La Rocca and Tarek Elrich will miss the match after picking up suspensions in a fiery encounter last Friday night, which will test Adelaide’s depth.
After a humiliating loss last week, the Mariners have a point to prove, and what better way to do so than against the competition’s form team?
Prediction
Adelaide to outclass a valiant Mariners side, 2-1.
Can Adelaide United get back to winning ways after a tough few games? Or will the Central Coast Mariners cause an upset in front of a home crowd? Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT).
Note: This game was originally scheduled for 3pm AEDT but was moved to 7pm AEDT due to heat.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Thank You everyone for joining us on The Roar this evening. See you all next time and have a great week.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Match Result: Adelaide United have come out on top against a valiant Mariners outfit in what was quite an entertaining end to the round. The match started in quite a spiteful fashion with the players giving referee Jarred Gillet lots to do early in the match, having to issue a number of yellow cards in the opening few minutes. Both sides had a number of half chances, however neither side was able to break through until Fabio Ferreira converted the opening goal against his former side, breaking through one on one and finishing it off giving the Mariners the lead. The Mariners players then lifted after the opening goal. The explosive pace and energy of wingers Mitch Austin and Fabio Ferreira caused all sorts of problems for the Adelaide defenders. It was all smiles for the Mariners heading into the break, however it was Adelaide United who came out the better side in the second half, flexing their muscle as they began to take control of the match. The Reds were rewarded for their persistence up front with Isaias equalising from the set piece, curling one home in what was Adelaide's first goal from a set piece this season. Adelaide then continued to press and were controversially rewarded the lead as Bruce Djite pounced to guide the ball into the back of the net from an offside position. The tone of the match then shifted as the Mariners began to take advantage of Adelaide's fatigue as they began to press and put the Reds on the back foot. Although it just wasn't meant to be for the Mariners as substitute Stefan Mauk sealed the deal, putting away his first goal in his new colours after a fantastic assist from Craig Goodwin in stoppage time. There was more late drama to come, as substitute Josh Bingham slotted home the fifth goal of the match, giving the Mariners a brief glimmer of hope, scoring the 23rd goal of the round. However, it was too little too late for the Mariners, who despite putting in a valiant performance were simply outclassed by their opponents. The win catapults Adelaide United into third position on the table ahead of their blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Victory on Friday night. The Mariners meanwhile also travel to Melbourne where they will face Melbourne City. At full time it was Adelaide United too strong for the Mariners. Final Score: Central Coast Mariners 2 (Ferreria 32', Bingham 90+3') defeated by. Adelaide United 3 (Isaias 54', Djite 66', Mauk 90+3')
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FULL TIME It's too little too late for the Mariners as it was Adelaide United that have come away with the three points. The Reds gained the lead in quite controversial circumstances with Bruce Djite scoring from an offside position, however the result was then put beyond doubt with Stefan Mauk sealing the deal. Adelaide now climb to third on the table. Central Coast 2 Adelaide 3
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GOAL 90+3 The Mariners have scored and it's Bigham slamming the ball home after it fell to him from the set piece. Is there still more to come in this match? Central Coast 2 Adelaide 3
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GOAL 90+3' Stefan Mauk seals the deal for the Reds, smashing the ball into the roof of the net for his first goal in an Adelaide shirt. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 3
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We will have three minutes of stoppage time.
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89' Fabio Ferreira's attempt on goal is blocked well by McGowan, but only goes as far as Stella who goes for power in his strike which just goes over the cross bar, in what has been the Mariners best chance of the half. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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87' Inside the last few minutes and the Mariners really have to start pressing here. Adelaide are doing well to slow down the play, making a change as Cirio makes way for Mate Dugandzic. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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85' Central Coast throwing plenty of numbers inside the box however cannot get a clear attempt on goal as Adelaide United work well to get the ball out of their defensive half. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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83' Adelaide United doing well in maintaining a bit of possession, slowing the game down a little bit with Isaias orchestrating the play in midfield. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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Substitution 81' ON: Buhagiar OFF: Liam Rose Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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80' Inside the last ten minutes here in Gosford and it is still very much anyone's game. The Reds currently lead, however the Mariners are starting to look threatening when they attack after absorbing a whole heap of pressure from Adelaide earlier in this half. Central Coast 1 Adelaide2
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Substitution 78' ON: Sanchez. OFF: Kamau. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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77' Here come the Mariners. Storm Roux starting to lift his side, as he delivers a good ball inside the box where Bingham is waiting however it is cleared well in the air by Elsey. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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Yellow Card 76' Elsey is booked for a sliding challenge on Roux, receiving his seventh yellow card in 12 matches. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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74' The Mariners are starting to lift here as it looks as though fatigue may be beginning to set in for Adelaide. Although it has been in this last few minutes where Adelaide are generally at their best. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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70' Central Coast coming very close to finding the back of the net yet again. Jose Rose sends in a great cross inside the box and almost sits perfectly for Bingham who was thrown off by McGowan who had slipped, as the ball travels across the face of goal. Adelaide United lucky not to concede there. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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68' Central Coast need to find a spark here as they have been very much dominated by a very determined Adelaide side in this second half. Adelaide make their first change of the evening, with Marcelo Carrusca makes way for Stefan Mauk. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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GOAL 65' Adelaide have hit the front and it is Bruce Djite with the goal! A great delivery inside the box from Mells see's McGowan head it towards goal, before Djite pounced like a panther to guide the ball into the back of the net. The goal will stand however on the replay it looked as though Djite was offside when he scored the goal. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 2
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Substitution 63' ON: Stella OFF: Neill. Michael Neill limps off the field and is replaced by Francesco Stella, making his fifth appearance for the Mariners. Central Coast 1 Adelaide 1