Central Coast Mariners took all three points after a dominant display in Western Sydney, in Round 11 of the Ninja A-League.
The win is Emily Husband’s first against the Wanderers as Mariners Head Coach, making an hour delay due to heavy rain, thunder and lightning worth the while.
Three points also sees the Mariners climb back into the top six, as we approach the halfway point of the season.
Brooke Nunn and Tess Quilligan each scored their first goals for the club in a dominant first half from the Mariners before skipper Bianca Galic netted a penalty in the second half to make it 3-0.
A late consolation from Olivia Price wouldn’t be able to dampen the Mariners spirit as they celebrated a thoroughly deserved three points.
🔢 Line-Up
It was an unchanged starting eleven for the Mariners, with Taylor Ray dropping into centre-back as Husband continues to manage with injury hit defensive options.
Starting XI: Langman, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Galic (C), Ray, Rasmussen, Rowe, Quilligan, Nunn, Evans.
Substitutions:
63′ ON: Fuller, Kraszula OFF: Rasmussen, Nunn
73′ ON: Trimis OFF: Evans
ON: Puxty OFF:
Unused Subs: Carmichael (GK).
An unchanged lineup is locked in to take on Western Sydney 🔒
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 12, 2025
Kick off has been delayed by 15 minutes due to lightning ⚡️#CCMFC #WSWvCCM #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/1lP79dhFMW
First Half
A dominant first half saw the Mariners take complete control of the game, with 65% possession and 10 shots to Wanderers one in the first 45.
Wanderers only shot of the half came early on, but their star player Talia Younis couldn’t keep her effort on target.
At the other end, a shaky start from young goalkeeper Keely Segavcic was punished by Brooke Nunn on 11 minutes, with the 22-year-old Wanderers stopper getting away with another slip up moments later.
It was 2-0 on 22 minutes as Quilligan struck a fantastic first A-League goal, after her first shot was blocked she struck first time as the ball fell back to her, firing into the top corner.
There would be no further chances for the Mariners in a scrappy remainder of the half, Wanderers racking up eight fouls as Husband’s team controlled possession.
Second half
The Mariners stayed on top in the game despite some renewed energy in the second half from the hosts, the fiery nature continued with an intense physical battle occasionally threatening to spill over.
They had to wait until the 69th minute to add to their lead, but Galic got the goal her performance deserved from the penalty spot.
The only thing missing from a dominant display would be a clean sheet for Sarah Langman, with Wanderers scoring with their only shot on target in the 94th minute as Price struck into the top corner.
🫡 Standout performers
It may have been a fairly quiet night at the back for the Mariners but Jessika Nash and stand-in centre-back Taylor Ray were outstanding in and out of possession.
Nash finishing the game with the most touches (108) and ball recoveries (7) on the pitch, whilst her 90% pass accuracy was bettered only by Ray (91%) and Quilligan (93%).
Next to Quilligan and back in her favoured midfield role, Galic seemed to cover ever blade of grass, winning 11 out of 12 duels whilst creating three chances, taking four shots and of course capping an all-action performance with a goal.
▶️ Highlights via Central Coast Mariners on YouTube
🌴 Next Up
The Mariners return to Woy Woy Oval to host Wellington Phoenix on January 26th, after another trips to Sydney next weekend, as we face Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
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.
