Central Coast Mariners
1
Match Complete
Western United FC
0
| M. Birighitti |  | 91' | ||
| 73' | | A. Durante | ||
| 70' | | A. Calver | ||
| G. Stensness | | 57' | ||
| G. Gallifuoco |  | 49' | ||
| 34' | | J. Risdon |
| 8 | Shots | 23 | ||
| 3 | On Target | 5 | ||
| 8 | Fouls | 11 | ||
| 2 | Corners | 9 | ||
| 3 | Offsides | 0 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
Match result:
Central Coast Mariners kept their first clean sheet in 639 days as they fought to a one-nil victory against Western United at the Central Coast Stadium courtesy of a deflected goal by Giarncarlo Gallifuoco.
Tommy Oar found Jordan Murray in space with a chipped ball whose cross was cleared ineffectively by United defender Aaron Calver.
The ball rolled into the path of Gallifuoco who fired a shot at goal, with Calver’s deflection sending it past the United goalkeeper.
Alessandro Diamanti dictated play from start to finish but couldn’t find what it took to grab an equaliser.
Besart Berisha missed a couple of crucial chances, and was staggered at the decision for him to taken off with thirty minutes to go by Mark Rudan.
Berisha gave his coach a vicious glare as he trudged off the pitch, and it will be a storyline to watch on whether two famously hot-headed personalities can work out their relationship.
The first half was a dull affair with very few chances on either side. Panagiotis Kone had the best opportunity in the opening half as he blazed a shot over the bar from close range.
After taking the lead in the second half, Central Coast sat deep and held their own defensively. Maintaining a clean sheet and a first win at home for this season, which pushes the Mariners into the top six.
Western United will be disappointed with an upset loss, however there is still time to right the ship. Rudan will definitely be working on the team to create a few more options to support Diamanti’s play.
Final score
Central Coast Mariners 1
Western United 0
Match preview:
Western United will be looking to bounce back from last week’s surprise defeat against the Newcastle Jets as they prepare to taken on the Central Coast Mariners at the Central Coast Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 6pm (AEDT).
United showed some chinks in their armour against the Jets as they were held at bay when facing a compact defensive shape.
Over the week, coach Mark Rudan will surely have been running over what the team needs to do in those situations, and he should expect a similar test this time around as Mariners will likely defend just like their F3 rivals.
The Central Coast side has been confusing to watch so far this season.
Rarely have they been completely outplayed, yet they sit near the bottom of the table with only one win to their name after six rounds.
Manager Alen Stajcic claims that they have a plan to stop the Western United train, but it will surely be easier said than done.
United playmaker Alessandro Diamanti has proven to be the goods since arriving to the A-League, and if he’s given too much space by the Mariners, he will make them pay.
It will be up to Stajcic’s midfield to ensure they can contain one of the league’s most creative talents.
Prediction
Samuel Silvera is definitely one to watch and hopefully continues his bright start to the season with a goal.
It won’t be enough though as Western United will get back to winning ways with a tight 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Diamanti and Besart Berisha.
Where: Central Coast Stadium
When: 24 November 2019, 6pm AEDT
Betting odds: Central Coast Mariners $3.20, Draw $3.70, Western United $2.15
Admiral Ackbar
Guest
Central Coast have more wins than Perth. Let that sink in.
Shabab Hossain
Expert
Central Coast Mariners kept their first clean sheet in 639 days as they fought to a one nil victory against Western United at the Central Coast Stadium courtesy of a deflected goal by Giarncarlo Gallifuoco. Tommy Oar found Jordan Murray in space with a chipped ball whose cross was cleared ineffectively by United defender Aaron Calver. The ball rolled into the path of Gallifuoco who fired a shot at goal, with Calver's deflection sending it past the United goalkeeper. Alessandro Diamanti dictated play from start to finish but couldn't find what it took to grab an equaliser. Besart Berisha missed a couple of crucial chances, and was staggered at the decision for him to taken off with thirty minutes to go by Mark Rudan. Berisha gave his coach a vicious glare as he trudged off the pitch, and it will be a storyline to watch on whether two famously hot headed personalities can work out their relationship. The first half was a dull affair with very few chances on either side. Panagiotis Kone had the best opportunity in the opening half as he blazed a shot over the bar from close range. After taking the lead in the second half, Central Coast sat deep and held their own defensively. Maintaining a clean sheet and a first win at home for this season, which pushes the Mariners into the top six. Western United will be disappointed with an upset loss, however there is still time to right the ship. Rudan will definitely be working on the team to create a few more options to support Diamanti's play.
Midfielder
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Yahooo
Punter
Roar Rookie
Go the Mariners.
Shabab Hossain
Expert
FULL TIME Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
90 + 4' - Diamanti fires a volley but blocked by Mariners defence. Desperate defending. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
Mark Birighitti also earned a yellow card earlier for time wasting following a goal kick. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
90 + 3' - Mariners win a free-kick in enemy territory. Should be enough time to kill the game. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
91'
Shabab Hossain
Expert
90 + 2' - Risdon gets on top to win the header in the box, largely uncontested, but fails to hit the target. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
90' - Gallifuoco leans in to block a shot which strikes his arm. Fourth official catching the fury of Mark Rudan on the sideline who believes it's a penalty. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
4 minutes of added time for United to win an equaliser. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
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90' - Another corner for United. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
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All players back for the Mariners. Desperately clinging on. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
88' - Diamanti with a lovely ball cross field for Pierias but can't get a good hold of it and Mariners clear their lines. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
87' - Western United win a corner through Pain. Worked short and the ball works it's way into the box where Diamanti's shot goes desperately wide. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
85' - Diamanti fires another long shot way over. Not been his greatest day. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
Surprisingly not given a penalty. Sensible decision in the world of VAR?! Is this real??? Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0
Shabab Hossain
Expert
The ball has definitely hit Gordon's arm. This could be a penalty.
Shabab Hossain
Expert
83' - Western United calls for handball after a cross into the box seems to meet an arm. Alex King will be looking at VAR now. Central Coast Mariners - 1 Western United - 0