Central Coast Mariners 1-3 Western United
by Alice de Koster-Kitto (22/12/24).
Above: Kahli Johnson (green and black striped shirt) celebrates after scoring at Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Western United.
Western United have hit back from their hammering against Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend to condemn Central Coast Mariners to their first home defeat of the season at Industree Group Stadium this afternoon.
The home side were hottest off the marks, from the first touch, an attempt from Shadeene Evans, which was ultimately blocked by Chloe Logarzo.
Despite the hosts’ early impact, the match remained quite uneventful, with neither side showing particular dominance. Western United did however hold a slight upper hand in terms of chances in the first half.
Both teams took a defensive approach, with neither being able to net the first goal until quite late in the match, despite several shots on target. Chloe Lincoln’s save in the 54th minute prevented the Mariners from taking the lead when Petra Timms took advantage of Annabel Martin’s build-up to hit narrowly wide.
The scoring was opened by Western United, when a cross from half-time substitute Kiara De Domizio, was tapped in by Kahli Johnson. The visitors increased their lead only three minutes later when Johnson netted her second goal of the match and fourth of the season.
Following Johnson’s brace, momentum shifted in favor of the hosts, as they looked to hit back to preserve their home record. . Despite their new-found dominance, there appeared to be a disconnect, particularly in the midfield.
The absence of midfielder Isabel Gomez following a knee injury in November, has highlighted weaknesses within the squad over the past few rounds, with their shift to defensive tactics often proving detrimental to their overall play. It is, however, a testament to the resilience and strength within the squad that they have quickly adjusted without a player who played such a key role in their early success this season.
Since her transfer from Sydney FC at the start of the season, Taylor Ray has been particularly instrumental in stabilising an otherwise unsure midfield, and played a key role in this match especially, keeping the Mariners in the game despite their falling behind.
Grace Maher netted Western United’s third goal of the match, with just three minutes left of regulation time.
Despite their dire predicament, as stoppage time approached, the hosts’ tireless approach paid off in the 89th minute, when Annalise Rasmussen got a goal back.
The match remained hard-fought until the end, however, Central Coast Mariners were ultimately beaten for the first time at home this campaign. The meeting marks a milestone for both sides, as it becomes Western United’s first away win of the season, ending their six-game winless streak on the road.
Round Eight of the Ninja A-League will see Central Coast Mariners head to HBF Park to face Perth Glory, who currently sit just below them on eighth on the ladder, and in strong current form, making the clash quite unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Western United will face Brisbane Roar at home. The match is set to be one of great contention, as Brisbane currently sit second on the table, just two places above their hosts.
Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-1-2): Langman, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Gaelic, Ray, Rasmussen, Puxty, Trimis, Evans. Substitutes: Carmichael, Fuller, Quilligan, Nunn, McMahon.
Scorer: Rasmussen 89’.
WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Lincoln, Sardo, Cene, Maher, Grove, Roach, M.Taranto, Logarzo, Medwin, Johnson, Hieda. Substitutes: Dall’oste, Mihocic, De Domizio, Cortellino, Dehakis.
Scorers: Johnson 57′, 61’, Maher 88’.
Referee: Kelly Jones.
Attendance: TBC.
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