In arctic conditions in Wellington on Sunday, the Central Coast Mariners jumped into the fifth place on the Ninja A-League ladder after winning 2-1 away from home against Wellington Phoenix.
The Mariners knew they were up for a battle from the opening whistle. Phoenix came out strong with two close calls in the opening minutes engineered by American forward and mid-season signing, Makala Woods.
As the half wore on, the visitors began to find rhythm through midfield, and it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough arrived.
The opener came in the fifteenth minute when the Mariners’ Peta Trimis, stood at the edge of the Wellington box and with the wind howling at her back, Trimis took the perfect freekick. Her right foot sent the shot over the wall and into the top corner, and despite a leap from the goalkeeper, the strike found the back of the net to put the visitors ahead. The change to the scoreboard silenced the home crowd and sparked celebrations in the travelling squad.
Wellington answered back quickly with striker Mackenzie Anthony, scoring her first goal for the club in the twenty-eighth minute.
With the rain continuing to hammer the field, the visitors took the lead again in stoppage time in the first half. Tamar Levin sending the ball flying passed the keeper. It was a moment that showcased the side’s evolution: resilient without the ball, ruthless with it.
Wellington responded with urgency after the break, testing the Mariners’ defensive resolve. A series of long-range efforts kept the pressure on, but the Central Coast remained disciplined. Every clearance, every tackle, every ball won felt significant as the contest tightened.
The Phoenix refused to fold – setting up some tense final moments. But the Mariners dug deep, managing the closing minutes with maturity beyond their years. When the final whistle sounded, it marked not just three points on the road – but another statement of intent in the 2025/26 campaign.
The victory continues strong momentum for the Mariners as they push forward in the Ninja A-League season, showing once again that no matter the venue, they travel well.
Next up, the Mariners return home on Friday February 20 against Melbourne City, for the club’s Pride Celebration match at polytec Stadium looking to build on this performance in front of their faithful – carrying confidence, connection and that unmistakable Central Coast spirit.
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