Central Coast Mariners FC took a huge step towards sealing a finals spot with a gritty 1-0 win over Marconi Stallions FC at Pluim Park on Sunday evening.
Central Coast Mariners FC took a huge step towards sealing a finals spot with a gritty 1-0 win over Marconi Stallions FC at Pluim Park on Sunday evening.
The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when captain Jessica Garrett rose highest to meet a pinpoint Claire Denning cross, nodding home the winner in front of a packed home crowd. The goal capped off a commanding performance from the Mariners skipper, who had already gone close earlier in the match with a header against the bar and an audacious bicycle kick.
First Half: Mariners Dominate, Stallions Hang On
The Mariners started brightly and created the game’s first big chance when Briana Myers burst into the box and fired into the side netting.
At the other end, Erinn Cleghorn tested Mariners keeper Kyara O’Brien with a shot from distance, while substitute Pene Bonovas, introduced after just 25 minutes, won a free-kick which she took herself but couldn’t beat the keeper.
The home side looked most likely to break the deadlock. Garrett and Peyton Scollay combined well to carve out an opening, while Claire Denning’s corner in the 39th minute found Garrett, who rattled the crossbar with a thumping header.
Marconi finished the half strongly, with Bonovas and Cleghorn linking up well, but they couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Second Half: Mariners Find the Breakthrough
The Stallions picked up the tempo after the restart, with Asiyah Zreika heading over and Cleghorn again forcing O’Brien into action from long range.
But the Mariners were relentless in their pursuit of the opener. Denning went close after being found by Garrett, before another Denning free-kick smashed against the bar in the 55th minute. Moments later, Garrett nearly produced the spectacular with a bicycle kick that forced a fine save from Isabella Sollecito.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute. Garrett, leading by example, powered home a header to send the home fans wild and give her side the lead they richly deserved.
Closing Stages: Mariners Hold Firm
Marconi threw everything forward in the final 15 minutes, making changes to chase the equaliser. Tsoler Nazarian and Charmaine Marquinez worked hard to stretch the Mariners backline, but the home defence stood tall.
The Mariners could have sealed the game in the 88th minute when Ava Moller wriggled free down the left and flashed a dangerous shot across goal, but it didn’t matter in the end.
With composure in stoppage time, the Mariners saw out the contest to claim all three points, moving into third place on the League One Women’s ladder and edging closer to finals football.
For Marconi, the loss leaves them vulnerable as they head into a bye week, forced to wait and see if results elsewhere keep their finals hopes alive.
Watch the highlights here:
MATCH STATS
Sunday 17 August 2025
Pluim Park
Referee: Mariano Llana
Assistant Referees: Adam Sloan & Gunnar Nilsen
Central Coast Mariners FC 1 (Garrett ’76)
Marconi Stallions FC 0
Central Coast Mariners FC: 1. Kyara O’Brien, 2. Jessica Garrett, 3. Teagan Jones, 4. Jordyn Drysdale, 6. Peyton Scollay, 11. Claire Denning, 12. Briana Myers (8. Natalia O’Driscoll ’70), 13. Annalise Brewster, 19. Ava Moller, 29. Tikka Jeffery, 37. Ruth Hosie
Unused subs: 9. Ruby Govind-Aley, 15. Georgia Calculli, 20. Grace Davies, 21. Lillia Rae, 33. Isabella Beresford
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Isabella Sollecito, 2. Shelby Milton, 4. Daniela Brekic, 5. Erinn Cleghorn, 6. Sarah Urquhart (16. Pene Bonovas ’25), 8. Marie Herrera, 10. Hannah Tomelic, 11. Helena Daniele (7. Asiyah Zreika ’46), 18. Laura Malagon Avila, 43. Tsoler Nazarian (13. Charmaine Marquinez ’79), 44. Michaela Rattos
Unused subs: 21. Kiara Fragomeli
Yellow cards: Brekic ’61 Herrera ’64 Avila ’73 Rattos ‘82
Red cards: nil
