Central Coast Mariners
1
Match Complete
Wellington Phoenix
3
| 93' |  | L. Cacace | ||
| J. E. B. D. Silva |  | 89' | ||
| E. Kim | | 83' | ||
| 82' | | M. Steinmann | ||
| 78' | | J. Sotirio | ||
| 30' | | G. Hooper | ||
| 18' | | L. Cacace |
| 16 | Shots | 6 | ||
| 3 | On Target | 4 | ||
| 17 | Fouls | 8 | ||
| 5 | Corners | 2 | ||
| 1 | Offsides | 4 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
Round 22 of the A-League continues with an interesting match-up of teams, which will see the Central Coast Mariners take on Wellington Phoenix at Central Coast Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, with the ball first rolling at 4pm (AEDT).
Many people predicted that this would be a bottom-of-the-table clash, deciding who would be leaving with the wooden spoon at the season’s end. But it has been the complete opposite for Wellington Phoenix, who currently sit in equal third position on 30 points, only three points behind Melbourne City, who have played an extra game.
On top of that, Melbourne City and Perth Glory play this weekend. Following this game, Wellington Phoenix could be in join second place by the end of this round if they win here.
And although a win does seem expected of Wellington, who are seven places and 17 points clear of the Mariners, it may not come in easy circumstances.
The Mariners have nothing to lose and will be looking for a massive three points against one of the league’s best sides.
The players are now playing for contracts and may be inspired to put on a big performance in their fourth last home game of the season.
The Mariners are also boosted by the inclusions of both Tommy Oar and Daniel De Silva to their squad, which will add an extra level of quality to their midfield.
However, Wellington Phoenix also have a quality midfield. They have the joint highest passing accuracy of 83 per cent, have played the third most passes in the league and have had 212 successful dribbles.
Wellington have played some of the best football in the league this season, but will it be good enough to pass the Mariners?
Prediction
Wellington will beat the Mariners 2-0, but join The Roar to follow the action, with the game kicking off at 4pm (AEDT).
Game information
Kick-off: 4pm (AEDT)
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
TV: Fox Sports 505
Online: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
Betting: Central Coast Mariners $3.75, draw $3.75, Wellington Phoenix $1.91
Head to head: Central Coast Mariners 12, draw 5, Wellington Phoenix 12
Last five overall score: Central Coast Mariners 4, Wellington Phoenix 15
Central Coast Mariners squad
1. Mark Birighitti (gk), 2. Ian Zygmunt Gordon, 3. Jack Clisby, 4. Eunsun Kim, 7. Milan Duric, 8. Michael McGlinchey, 9. Jordan Murray, 10. Tommy Oar, 11. Daniel De Silva, 12. Adam Pearce (gk), 15. Kye Rowles, 17. Sam Silvera, 18. Gianni Stessness, 19. Matt Simon, 21. Ruon Tongyik, 24. Chris Harold, 26. Joshua Nisbet, 27. Lewis Miller, 29. Jair Britto, 44. Alou Kuol
Wellington Phoenix squad
1. Stefan Marinovic (gk), 2. Liam McGing, 3. Luke DeVere, 4. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, 5. Matti Steinmann, 6. Tim Payne, 7. Reno Piscopo, 8. Cameron Devlin, 9. David Ball, 10. Ulises Davila, 11. Jaushua Sotirio, 12. Brandan Wilson, 13. Liberato Cacace, 14. Alex Rufer, 20. Oliver Sail (gk), 21. Callum McCowatt, 27. Steven Taylor (c), 31. Ben Waine, 32. Sam Sutton, 88. Gary Hooper
Mark
Guest
And we thought in Rudan we had a great coach and were really unhappy he was leaving us Buy crikey - how good is Talay
hog
Roar Rookie
One happy little Pheonix fan. We can only dream :stoked: :stoked:
Jack George
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in.
Jack George
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me for this afternoons live blog and make sure to head to Perth Glory vs Melbourne City on the Roar if you haven't already. Thanks for tuning in, everyone, and the rest of your weekend and week!
Jack George
Roar Guru
Match Review: Wellington Phoenix has classily cruised past Central Coast Mariners away from home, with the game finishing 3-1 Wellington’s way, which puts them up into second place for the time being. Wellington dominated possession early on, creating multiple chances but not finding the back of the net. However, in the seventeenth minute, they did open the scoring, through their star left-back Liberato Cacace, for his second goal in two games. The goal was a wonderful three-pass move, which started with a throw-in from Tim Payne finding Ulises Davila, who positioned himself dangerously just outside the D. Cacace made a run into the box on the shoulder of Lewis Miller, which Davila rewarded with a sublime through-ball. Cacace made no mistake in blasting the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, leaving Mark Birighitti with no chance. Wellington doubled their advantage just twelve minutes later this time through marquee striker Gary Hooper. Yet again, it was from a throw-in with Reno Piscopo receiving a throw from Cacace. Gary Hooper made a beautiful looped run around the outside of the Mariners’ back three and chipped the ball over the top of Mark Birighitti in stunning style. It was a wonderful move but poor defending from the Mariners, who seemed to clock off at the crucial moment. The Mariners bossed proceedings from then on, past half-time but couldn’t find the target despite how close they were to the goal. Wellington displayed the complete opposite story, calmly sitting deep, and clinically scored with their first shot of the second half. Yet again, it was from a runner in behind the Mariners leaky back three, this time being the pacey Joshua Sotirio. A wonderful pass from Alex Rufer on the halfway line allowed Sotirio to advance on goal, and he made no mistake in blasting a finish past the helpless Mark Birighitti. Jair clawed a consolation goal for the Mariners after a smart turn and shot from just outside the box, but it wasn’t enough for the Mariners, who look in a state of bother, recording their eighth consecutive loss. The Mariners next face the in-form Brisbane Roar away from home, while Wellington takes on Melbourne victory at home. Final score: Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Coastyboi
Guest
Cheers, Jack. Where to for CCM? Who knows...
Jack George
Roar Guru
FULLTIME! Wellington has cruised past Central Coast Mariners at Central Coast Stadium, with the final score being 3-1! The match report will be out in ten minutes, but in the meantime discuss your thoughts on the match! Final score: Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
90 + 3' Matt Simon does everything he can to antagonise Matti Steinmann for his second yellow card, but the referee sorts everything out quickly. Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
93'
Jack George
Roar Guru
90 + 2' Sotirio gets the ball in behind and rounds the keeper before passing the ball into the net, but the assistant flags for offside. Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
pete4
Guest
Stajcic's team selection and tactics have been very questionable to say the least this season
Jack George
Roar Guru
90 + 2' Liberato Cacace is doing everything possible to waste time off the throw-in! Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
90 + 1' Rufer accelerates foward but Ziggy Gordan makes a good challenge. Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
90' You just wonder what would happen if the Mariners could find a goal in the next minute or so... Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
90' There will be four minutes of time added on here at Central Coast Stadium. Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
89' Although it is just a consolation goal for the Mariners, it puts Jair on high confidence for the next few games. Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
88' GOALLLLLLLLLLL! The Mariners have one back! Lewis Miller plays Silvera who gives it to Jair inside the D. Jair turns effectively before unleashing a powerful strike into the bottom right-hand corner. Central Coast Mariners 1, Wellington Phoenix 3
89'
Jack George
Roar Guru
88' Liverato Cace is back on the field but isn't moving freely and is still clutching his hamstring. Central Coast Mariners 0, Wellington Phoenix 3
Jack George
Roar Guru
87' Alex Rufer gets in between the lines of play but is dispossessed by Kye Rowles. Central Coast Mariners 0, Wellington Phoenix 3