Central Coast Mariners
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Melbourne City FC
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The Central Coast Mariners continue the long search for their first win for the season as they take on Melbourne City at Central Coast Stadium in this mid-week fixture to complete Round 12. Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEDT) for live scores and a blog of the game.
The real question for the Mariners is not so much whether they can win tonight, but how do they pick themselves up after the heartbreak in Wellington some four days ago?
The Mariners, for a full half of football, were everything that an A-League team needed to be to win football games: tough, disciplined, and clinical.
So Central Coast can take confidence from the first half talent they showed.
But that second half was so unfortunate, and it must be playing in their heads as to whether they are ever going to win again.
Melbourne, on the other hand, are riding high, unbeaten in their last five games, and on a three-game winning streak, Warren Joyce has his men from Melbourne purring along nicely at the moment.
The key for Melbourne so far has been defence, with the stingiest defence in the league.
Melbourne, however, are not as decisive in front of goal, but will welcome Frenchman Florin Berenguer into the squad, who should add a few more options up front.
Another positive for City is the inclusion of Riley McGree, who has managed to avoid any significant damage from that knee injury that saw him leave the game early against Brisbane last round.
History does not bode well for the Mariners against this opponent as well, where Melbourne have not lost in their last five Central Coast Stadium appearances, and the Mariners are winless in a whopping 10 last games against City.
Prediction
I was initially going to tip the upset, as the Mariners looked good for a win last weekend, and you would think that at home, they can play the full 90 minutes. But I just can’t look past that Melbourne defence, best in the league, and yet to concede from a set-piece. I think the Melbourne discipline down back will just be too much for the Mariners.
Melbourne City 2-nil.
Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEDT) for live scores and updates, and don’t forget to leave a comment in the comments section below.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
You are correct jb in that De Laet is quality but Wazza has dug a hole for himself with his standoff with Bruno. We’ve tried Wales and now De Laet as striker. Ritchie has 4 goals including 1 as a striker against Roar. He does know where the goals are. Joyce’s blunder is his playing style, his reliance on defenders and midfielders and a lack of strikers. We have been pretty good at defending but cannot convert our possession into goals.
perry cox
Roar Guru
I’m a Jets fan. I wasn’t basking in anything. ???? Not sure if this agrees or disagrees, all I’ll say is CCM have looked good for a win for a while now, so they very much are a chance against Roar, who seem directionless right this minute.
jbinnie
Guest
Karlo - I think this comment was written when you were still basking in the glory of a first win. Last night's victory was not a "walk in the park" for CCM,they have Ben Kennedy to thank for keeping them within striking distance of a team which in itself has a huge problem with their finishing department. Colin Pain was CCM's most likely striker last night, his pace obviously causing the City "stand in fullback" much angst, but when one considers City probably had one of the HAL's best right backs playing as a central striker the question has to be asked, was this a bad,bad ,coaching blunder? We'll never know. It is going to be interesting to see how the CCM lads react to their hard fought win and perhaps the saving grace will be that they play the other "cellar dwellers ",Roar, in their next home game, a much better prospect for a second win rather than if they were to be facing Sydney or Victory. Do you agree? cheers jb.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
How sweet it is
EJ
Roar Pro
Although Im sure u guys at City would love to keep him, but if he's not gonna get played i hope he moves somewhere else in australia because he is a class player to watch and I'm sure fans don't want to lose him Also congrats to cc mariners on their first win
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Fair observation. I think we’ve been relying of minimising goals conceded but our goals FOR is one of the lowest in the HAL this season and therefore puts us at a disadvantage compared to the teams above us.
perry cox
Roar Guru
To be fair, City didn't lose because they didn't have Bruno. Their defence just wasn't up to it tonight, and when you rely on not conceding to win, that is going to catch up with you at some point.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Well done CCM. Wouldn’t it have been good if we had a fairdinkum striker on the bench that could’ve been brought on? Only in Wazza’s world can you continue with a vendetta against your only recognised class striker and throw a defender up front to fill the gap. Oh well.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Full time Ring the bells and call on the parade, the Central Coast Mariners have avoided losing 11 in a row, and have beaten Melbourne City 2-1. In a lacklustre first half, the Mariners took a deserved lead through a strong strike by Connor Pain. The second half was livelier, and City looked good to take at least a share of the spoils through a headed goal to Lachlan Wales, himself a Central Coast native. But there was a final twist in the tail, as Central Coast did not drop their bundle, but instead pressed for more, earning a penalty through the ever strong Matt Simon. Simon took the penalty, and while Eugene Galekovic saved the initial strike, Simon was there to put the scraps into the net. Melbourne City pressed for another equaliser, but Central Coast were not to be denied, taking the full spoils, and celebrating accordingly. Mariners are on the winning column board, while Melbourne City will return to Victoria with some thinking to do. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
95‘ – The Mariners bench watches on. Mariners defence blasts clear. De Laet with a weak header. That's a goal kick. That should do it. The Central Coast Mariners are going to win a match in season 2018/19. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
95‘ – We are into the final minute. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
94‘ – City come back for more, Wales goes in-field. Najjarine with some step overs, but ultimately, the ball comes to Kennedy, who holds strong. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
93‘ – City player down in the area - nothing doing, that's no penalty. Oh man, the Mariners' fans are so tense. Those poor boffins. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
93‘ – City with another corner. Mariners are doing some serious, serious backs to the wall stuff here. This is so uncomfortable to watch. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
92‘ – SAVE BY KENNEDY - Berenguer with the close range effort, Kennedy is up to the task. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
92‘ – City on the attack on the right through Atkinson, he tries to find a teammate, but Mariners are choking the channels at the back. City keep coming through Griffiths, who is determined to make amends. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
91‘ – The Mariners will have to hold on for 5 stoppage minutes. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
perry cox
Roar Guru
90‘ – Mariners go up the other end, and off a great Millar run, Simon earns a corner. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1
89'
perry cox
Roar Guru
90‘ – Now then, how much stoppage time will we have? City on the attack from the re-start. Central Coast – 2 Melbourne City – 1