Central Coast Mariners battled to a well-deserved 2-2 draw with Isuzu UTE A-League leaders Auckland FC on Sunday afternoon.
Mark Jackson’s side refused to lie down despite twice falling behind, with first A-League goals for Brazilian Vitor Feijao and young forward Nico Duarte in a spirited second half.
Line-Up
Starting XI: Peraic-Cullen (GK), Kaltak, Sainsbury (C), Theoharous, McCalmont, Kuol, Doka, , Feijao, Mauragis, Paull, Eames.
Substitutions:
72′ ON: Di Pizio OFF: Theoharous
76′ ON: Duarte OFF: Kuol
82′ ON: Roux, Steele, Faisal OFF: Doka, Feijao, Eames
Unused subs: Peraic-Cullen (GK), Herrington.
Our team is locked in to take on Auckland FC
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 16, 2025Alfie returns to partner Haine in midfield
Alou back leading the line
Christian starts on the wing#CCMFC #AKLvCCM #RideTheWave
pic.twitter.com/Gw91MF3bZq
First Half
Alfie McCalmont had the game’s first shot on target inside two minutes with a fierce volley from outside the box, but it would be Auckland to strike first at the other end as Guillermo May headed in from close range.
The Mariners ended the first half strongly with Christian Theoharous twice coming close, first denied by Alex Paulsen before a thunderous effort from our number seven flew just over the crossbar.
Dylan Peraic-Cullen was called into action just before the break to keep the score at 1-1, getting a strong hand up to deny May at his near post.
Second half
The Mariners came out on top in the second half, with Feijao and Brazilian compatriot Mikael Doka particularly threatening down the right hand side.
On 58 minutes they linked up with a nice one-two before Doka was unable to get a shot away, and again on 60 minutes but Doka’s cut-back was intercepted.
Doka was involved again two minutes later, cutting inside and seeing a left-footed shot blocked. From the resulting corner, Brian Kaltak made good connection with the ball and will be disappointed not to have hit the target.
The equaliser came on 71 minutes, a flowing move included a dazzling piece of skill from Christian Theoharous and a teasing cross from Lucas Mauragis, before Feijao powered home a header for his first in Australia.
Auckland regained the lead on 77 minutes, substitute Callan Elliot lashing home on the half volley after a set-piece.
Jacko rolled the dice in the late stages with a triple change and it would be two substitutes who combined for a dramatic late equaliser.
Duarte laid the ball off to Abdul Faisal whose cross lead to a scramble in the Auckland box and as the ball bounced up, Duarte bravely threw his head at the ball and saw it bundle over the line for his first A-League goal.
Post-match reaction via Central Coast Mariners YouTube
Watch the full highlights below, with further match reaction including Mark Jackson’s full post-match press conference, available via Central Coast Mariners on YouTube.
Next Up
The boys have next weekend off due to the Men’s International Break before returning to action at Our Paradise on March 30, taking on Perth Glory as part of a Double Header which will be the club’s annual Charity Round.
For more information and to get tickets, click the banner below.
