Central Coast Mariners 1 – 2 Western Sydney Wanderers in a closely fought contest at Gosford.
The sun was out at Polytec Stadium. The first half was cagey with both sides finding their rhythm but Western Sydney struck first. Central Coast responded quickly to set up an intriguing second half. The Wanderers’ winner in the 57th minute proved decisive as the home side pushed late but couldn’t find a second equaliser.
Holly Casper ensured that the Wanderers put an end to the winning streak of Central Coast. Casper finding the back of the net late in the first half (35th minute) and early in the second half (57th Minute), secured the visitors their first win in nine games. While the defeat marks the only loss at home this season for the reigning A League Women champions.
Annalise Rasmussen scored the equaliser in the first half for the Mariners in the 41st minute, Marking her ninth goal this season. This now has her equal first in the leagues golden boot races with Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara.
The Wanderers’ second win of the season came hours after devastating news that team mate and Matildas veteran, Chloe Logarzo Berryhill, announced her immediate retirement after a horror knee injury in the clash against Brisbane Roar. Fans and players all offered congratulations on a stellar career, including 59 appearances for the Matildas, and condolences to the 31-year-old who had hoped to end her career on her own terms, pushing for Asian Cup selection.
Deep into the second half, there were some tense moments for Western Sydney with the Central Coast setting up two opportunities to force a draw. Mariners Izzy Gomez, a rising star for the Matildas, took a shot in the 83rd minute but the ball was dived on by Western Sydney goalkeeper Sham Khamis. Five minutes later Central Coast’s Millie Farrow took a shot, which connected with the crossbar.
Despite picking up the three points, Wanderers remain in 11th place. The Mariners remain on a healthy 18 points, equal with Canberra United and Brisbane Roar and two points shy of competition leaders Melbourne City.
The women now turn their focus on to next weeks Ninja A-League Fixture on the road to play Brisbane Roar on January 31st.
Starting X1 – 15. Annalee Grove (GK), 4. Baxter Thew, 5. Annabell Martin, 6. Isabel Gamez, 7. Avaani Prakash, 11. Annalise Rasmussen, 14 Greta Kraszula, 17. Jynaya Dos Santos, 18. Taren King (C) , 22. Peta Trimis, 23. Lorena Bacmann.
Substitutes
3. Elizabeth Barwick-Grey, 9. Millie Farrow, 10. Tamar Levin, 12. Tiana Fuller, 21 Eliza Familton, 30. Sophie Varley (GK)
