Central Coast Mariners 0-0 Sydney FC
By Jonathon Hagger 7/1/24
Above: Bianca Galic (left) battles for Central Coast possession. Photo: Mariners Twitter
On a warm Sunday afternoon in New South Wales, the Sydney FC made their way up the M1 to Industree Stadium to play against a spirited Central Coast Mariners side. Both teams burnt up a lot of energy in their respective last fixtures however the Mariners came into the match with an advantage of a few more days rest whereas Sydney FC came into the match just three days after playing out a 1-1 draw against ferocious opposition.
The weather and pitch conditions were in superb condition, providing both teams with the ideal setting to do battle. The Mariners came out and demonstrated their intent straight away with a handful of opportunistic shots on goal with none being overly threatening to Whyman, Sydney’s goalkeeper.
After absorbing wave after wave of offensive pressure, Sydney were finally able to get the ball near the Mariners goal area after 10 minutes. After some good build up play, Sydney let themselves down with being loose with the ball and handing over possession.
Mariners continued to work hard to win the ball and pressed their way up the pitch repeatedly however Sydney’s defenders were always ready to shut down the attacking plays. Sydney continued the style of play that has worked well for them this season, maximising the counter attack.
Halfway through the first half the heat was coming from more than just the sun. Each team stepped up the pressure, demonstrated through a lot more physicality on and off the ball. A few free kicks were given to each team but no yellow cards were given.
It wasn’t until the 37th minute that the first real scoring chance opened up following the Mariners giving away a corner, Hawkesby placed a beautiful corner kick right into the path of Fenton whose header was on target but unfortunately went straight into the goalkeepers gloves.
The Mariners immediately went in the attack and Badawiyawas released down the right sideline and made her way effortlessly into a scoring position in Sydneys goal area. Sydneys goalkeeper, Whyman saw the attack, set herself in a strong position and the ball was able to be cleared away upfield.
After winning the ball back in Sydney’s half, Issy Gomez took the inititaitve, twisting and turning through players before lobbing the ball to an unmarked Wurigumala, who then cleanly passed the ball directly to the feet of Galic who was unable to beat the keeper. The ball pinballed around in the Sydney goal area before eventually being cleared away. Certainly a few nervous moments for each team!
Sydney were given another opportunity to score in the 43rd minute after an unnecessary shove in the back from Taryn King on her opposing player. Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered a stellar free kick into a dangerous position on goal however Casey Dumont, GK, cleanly picked the ball out of the air, closing down the offensive play.
The first half ended at 0-0 which was a fair representation for how the first 45 minutes played out.
The beginning of the second half started with both teams showing a lot more intent and enthusiasm. Sydney made some strategic moves through pushing their players forwards into more attacking positions. The move worked well with the momentum in the match swinging Sydneys way. The crowd picked up on this change and so the Mariners chant squad went into full voice cheering their team on.
Both teams traded shots on goal however neither team really looked like scoring directly except for a goalkeepers error. The strengths of both teams largely annulled their opposition so neither team dominated the play until the 80th minute when Mariners player, Bryson, was able to snipe a shot on goal that the keeper swatted away resulting in a corner. Like the rest of the play through the match nothing came of the opportunity with Sydney’s defenders clearing their line easily enough.
As fatigue settled in for each team, the final ten minutes opened up attacking opportunities all across the pitch for both teams. Sloppy defending by Sydney saw the Mariners right in front of the goal with Wurigumula getting a shot on target however the ball collected the defenders arm, which was in a natural alignment with her body, so the game continued to remain scoreless.
The final scoring opportunity came in the 93rd minute when the Mariners were awarded a free kick 10 metres out from Sydney’s goal area. A precise free kick found an unmarked Mariners player who had only the goalkeeper to beat, however the ball was headed up and over the crossbar.
This match was a real tussle between two quality teams. All the players put in a lot of miles playing end to end football however it was the lack of care in the attacking third of the opposition that resulted in a goal less draw.
Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2): Dumont (GK), Bryson, Irwin, King, Wardlaw, Gomez, Galic, Hayward, Martin, Badawiya, Wurigumula.
Subs: Evans (60), Karambasis, Karrys-Stahl (60), Langman, Rasmussen. (88).
Scorers: Nil.
SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman (GK), Tumeth, Thompson, McLean, Fenton, Kruger, Hollman, Hawkesby, Collister, Keane, Ibini.
Subs: Black, J Dos Santos (82), I Dos Santos (78), Lemon, Ray.
Scorers: Nil.
Referee: Isabella Blaess.
Attendance: 2,734.
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