Central Coast Mariners share the points in a dramatic 2–2 draw with Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Auckland struck first, with Jesse Randall finishing from close range in the 12th minute to give the hosts an early lead. The Mariners responded as the first half progressed, building momentum and finding their rhythm.
That persistence paid off just before half-time when Oli Lavale finished well in the 44th minute to bring the score level heading into the break. Half-time arrived with the scores locked at 1–1.
In the second half, Auckland regained the advantage in the 58th minute through Sam Cosgrove, whose finish restored the home side’s lead as both teams continued to test each other in wet conditions at Go Media Stadium.
The Mariners continued to push forward and were rewarded late in the contest. Lavale once again found the net in the 89th minute, producing a decisive finish to secure a share of the points for the visitors.
The match finished 2–2, with the Mariners showing resilience to come from behind twice in a challenging away fixture.
Central Coast Mariners now turn their focus to their next Isuzu UTE A-League Men fixture as they face Melbourne Victory on home soil on February 1st.
Tickets are now available via Ticketek.
Starting XI – 30. Redmayne (GK), 2. Donachie, 5. Mauragis, 8. Mccalmont, 10. Di Pizio, 15. Roux, 23. Lavale, 24. Herrington, 26. Tapp (C), 48. Donnell, 72. Auglah
Substitutes – 40. Peraic-Cullen (GK), 3. Paull, 6. Eames, 7. Theohardous, 11. Ngor, 18. Blair, 20. Kennedy
