Central Coast Mariners took all three points from a closely-fought battle in Perth, thanks to a late goal from Jade Pennock.
The English forward capitalised on a mix-up at the back for Perth in the 85th minute, slotting home her second goal of the season to snatch the win and move the Mariners into the top six of the Ninja A-League.
🔢 Line-Up
Emily Husband made just one change to the starting eleven, with Brooke Nunn coming back in, in place of Shadeene Evans. New singing Sarah Rowe came off the bench in the second half to make her debut for the club.
Starting XI: Langman, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Galic (C), Ray, Rasmussen, Puxty, Nunn, Trimis.
Substitutions:
40′ ON: Quilligan OFF: Irwin
64′ ON: Fuller, Evans OFF: Rasmussen, Trimis
78′ ON: Rowe OFF: Martin
Unused Subs: Carmichael (GK).
Our lineup is locked in to take on Perth! 🔒
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 27, 2024
Kick off just one hour away, live on 10Play and Paramount+ 📺#CCMFC #PERvCCM #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/FYWAq3mp5t
First Half
There was nothing to split the two sides in a tight first half, Annalise Rasmussen forced the first save of the game on 11 minutes. Sarah Langman was called into action for the first time moments later, tipping Isabel Dalton’s long range effort wide.
Jade Pennock had a couple of half chances in quick succession after 23 minutes, first unable to control after some good play from Peta Trimis on the left, before shooting first time from Brooke Nunn’s cutback but only able to find the gloves of the Perth keeper.
Husband was forced into an early change on 40 minutes, as Ash Irwin was unable to continue after a hefty challenge, Taylor Ray slotted into centre back for the remainder of the game as Tess Quilligan entered the fray in midfield.
Second half
The close-fought nature of the game continued into the second half, Langman was called into action on 55 minutes as she made a strong punch from a dangerous cross. At the other end, Nunn couldn’t connect with a half chance on the volley from the edge of the box.
16-year-old Tiana Fuller was once again introduced from the bench by Emily Husband, she had a sight of goal in the box but saw her shot blocked by the Perth defence.
Pennock looked to have wasted the game’s best opening on 75 minutes, after she was threaded through by Nunn, the tried to lob the goalkeeper but saw her effort drift wide of the post.
She would get one more opportunity though and there would be no missing this one, after Fuller played a ball over the top, a catastrophic mix-up between former Mariners keeper Casey Dumont presented the English forward with the simplest of finishes for her second goal for the club, which would be enough to seal all three points.
84th minute. Scores locked at 0-0. Not the time for @PerthGloryFC to hand @CCMariners a belated Christmas present 🫣🎁
— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) December 27, 2024
Jade Pennock knocks in a potential match winner after a mix-up at the back for the Glory.
Watch #PERvCCM live NOW on Paramount+ & 10 Play 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZKsGW3yL4A
▶️ Highlights via Central Coast Mariners on YouTube
🌴 Next Up at Our Paradise
As our Women’s team celebrate in Perth, our Men’s team are preparing for an exciting first ever meeting with A-League newcomers Auckland FC, tomorrow at Our Paradise.
Both sides then face a quick turnaround for a huge, unmissable New Years’ Eve Double Header against Melbourne City!
Tickets for all matches are available via Ticketek, with our great value, flexible six-game memberships also available for just $90, via the Official Mariners Membership Portal.
