The Western Sydney Wanderers and the Central Coast Mariners face off at Spotless Stadium in the second round of the A-League season. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:35pm (AEDT).
Both of these teams showed promise last week with the Wanderers looking comfortable before Perth Glory found a second-half goal and caused them a few problems.
The Mariners, on paper, where annihilated by the Jets yet it was far from a true reflection of the contest and Central Coast played very attacking and expansive football at times.
Spotless has begun to feel like something of a home to the Wanderers after a difficult period last season, where finding a win proved nigh-impossible. Recently, the wins have begun to flow and their quality recruits should see many more throughout the remainder of the season.
Oriol Riera and Alvaro Cejudo were excellent for the Wanderers last week and their combination was as impressive as any of the new attacking set ups across the A-League.
New recruit Wout Brama looked like an impressive buy for the Mariners, despite appearing a little short of a run and Tom Hiariej made a very impressive debut.
In what looks like being a wild and windy day weather-wise in Sydney, both teams have plenty at stake.
A perfect start for the traditionally slow starting Wanderers could see them sit top by Sunday night and the Mariners need some points to show their fans that the loss last week was not a true reflection of their potential in season thirteen.
Prediction
With the lure of six points from six on the cards for the Wanderers and the potency of their weapons up front, they will get the job done over the boys from the Central Coast.
It won’t be an easy win but one where Hayden Foxe will outmaneuver Paul Okon’s side, which looks like it may need more time to gel.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 5:35pm (AESDT).
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Persistent Mariners earn a point from a somewhat wayward Wanderers The Western Sydney Wanders and the Central Coast Mariners have played out a two-all draw at Spotless Stadium in a game that had plenty of drama and excitement for the fans. After a somewhat careful start by both teams and the Wanderers looking more likely in the very early stages the Mariners started to take control of possession and after a wonderful poachers goal from Asdrubal, they hit the lead in the twenty- first minute after a shot from Aaron Hoole was parried by Vedran Janjetovic. The dominance of possession in the first period enjoyed by the Mariners was ruined with the penalty given away by Wout Brama and the subsequent conversion from the spot by Oriol Riera. It looked soft at the time yet in reflection, the holding mid-fielder did have eyes for the player rather than the ball. At 1-1, the game looked poised for a cracking second half and it didn’t disappoint. With the weight of possession and some serious questions around the Wanderers defence, the Mariners seemed the team most likely as the second half began. Another settling period was eventually broken by a stunning pass from Andrew Hoole that connected with Danny De Silva after sixty-three minutes and the Mariners led again. The Wanderers were not to be denied however, and found a way to goal with a lovely strike from Roly Bonevacia in the seventieth minute. The final period of the game was tight, with both teams presented with chances, the eighty-sixth minute send-0ff of Andrew Hoole for his second yellow, killed off the last few minutes as the Mariners were happy to settle for a point after what was a close fought contest and a gripping encounter. All in all, the Wanderers will be a little disappointed with their performance considering the expectations placed on the team after their win a week earlier. For the Mariners, they will be pleased to be on the board after a comprehensive loss against Newcastle last week. Final Score Western Sydney Wanderers 2 Central Coast Mariners 2
Kangajets
Guest
Me too
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The final moments of stoppage time are a dog-fight and neither team can break the dead-lock.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Four minutes of stoppage time.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'90 The Mariners might just sit back here and be happy with a point
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'89. WSW. 2. Central Coast. 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Three minutes remain and the game is in the balance.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'86 Holle gets his second booking and he is off.... Red card for hoole
Stuart Thomas
Expert
‘80 goal kick Wanderers。
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'79 The Mariners with a good push forward, they control possession yet Wout Brama sprays the chance wide.
TK
Guest
Gwho scored??
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'77 Things hanging in the balance yet the Wanderers looking on top.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'75 De Silva with a hard challenge........Yellow Card
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A great chance goes begging for the Wanderers. They are looking dangerous.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'74 The Wanderers starting to find some space and Cejudo cuts through on the right.........plays it across the face and two Wanderers can get a touch on the ball for a certain goal.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A great goal from the Wanderers and the scores are level again.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'69 A great ball from Risdon into the box.....keeper spills it......GOAL Wanderers
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'68 WSW 1 Central Coast 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
'66 RBB in full voice and boy do they need them now.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
wow