High-flying Central Coast Mariners have notched another impressive scalp with a come-from-behind 3-2 win over A-League big guns Melbourne City.
Wednesday night’s victory in Gosford enabled the hosts to retain their unlikely hold of top spot on the ladder.
It was a rare win over City for the Mariners but it was the nature of the victory as much as the quality of the opponent that impressed.
The Mariners rebounded from a 2-0 deficit on the half-hour mark to record a memorable win thanks to Danny De Silva’s spectacular winner ten minutes from fulltime.
It was the first time in 30 matches City had failed to win after holding a 2-0 lead.
The win for the A-League wooden-spooners over last season’s grand finalists follows a victory over A-League champions Sydney FC a fortnight ago.
The Mariners elected to rest influential captain Oliver Bozanic, allowing Gosford local and crowd favourite Matt Simon to don the armband. It was Simon’s 200th appearance for the club, just the second player to reach the mark after John Hutchison.
Experienced pair Scott Jamieson and Florin Berenguer returned to a City side seeking to bounce back from a 3-1 home defeat against Perth Glory on the weekend.
The Mariners started the contest in enterprising fashion, but it was City that opened the scoring on 23 minutes as Adrian Luna flicked home from close range after Craig Noone threaded a superb low ball into the penalty area.
The visitors made it a two-goal lead just after the half-hour mark when reigning A-League golden boot Jamie Maclaren lifted over advancing goalkeeper Mark Birighitti.
The Mariners new-found resolve was again on display with 20-year-old Jaden Casella nabbing an easy maiden goal thanks to a perfect lay-off from redoubtable veteran Simon.
Within 15 minutes of the restart, City self-destructed. Nathanial Atkinson carelessly bundled over Simon in the penalty area and the hometown hero comfortably fired home the resultant spot-kick on 57 minutes.
Within moments of the restart teenage defender Kerrin Stokes fell victim to the raw pace of Alou Kuol and pulled down the Mariners forward for his second caution of the match. It was the third time in five matches this season City has been reduced to ten players.
City were left to withstand significant pressure and were barely able to make a significant inroad at the other end of the pitch.
The Mariners continued to stretch the play with their new-found confidence and duly got their reward when De Silva won possession before confidently firing home a worthy winner from outside the penalty area.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Happy for the Mariners to stay top, well deserved and a nice way for Simon to get this 200th out of the way.
AndyAdelaide
Roar Rookie
mariners will not be taken seriously until they start playing on the road and winning. All there games are predominantly being played in nsw. Lets see how they go travelling to Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide etc mariners are massively exceeding expectations. on paper that is one of the worse squads in the league
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
central coast great win they have a lot fight and passion,as for hot and cold Ctiy heavyweights at it again 15 mins of football then boom selfdistruct again. they have a few important games coming up,might lose them all.bottom 2 is looking good for melb city.They got play as a team to win the trophy not little kindergarten kids plying at the local park.
Melange
Guest
That was a big test for the mighty Mariners, even before going down to goals, as we were without our most important player Oli B. Then while still chasing a goal we took off or imports and placed faith in youth who were key contributors to the win. A significant win.
At work
Roar Rookie
Killing it! I really liked the after game appreciation for Matt Simon too, great scenes.
Tekkers
Roar Rookie
When are fans going to start taking the Mariners seriously this season? I’ve watched them in every game and they have looked very dangerous especially without the ball and this season have shown they have the firepower upfront to punish teams. City were heavy favourites but were out played and outclassed for the majority of the game. Props to CCM who will definetly make top 4 and challenge for the title. Although I think WSW will have it ????
Midfielder
Roar Guru
How sweet it is