Central Coast Mariners looked to carry on their unbeaten form after their 1-1 draw against Adelaide United at Polytec Stadium in their last Isuzu UTE A-League match.
Central Coast won the last Isuzu UTE A-League meeting against Melbourne Victory, coming out on top 1-0 at Polytech Stadium in February.
The Mariners got off to the perfect start with Sabit Ngor’s deflected shot putting the visitors ahead. The forward has now scored six goals in the A-League this season, more than any other Central Coast Mariners player.
Early pressure from Warren Moon’s side created chances unanswered by Victory but the home team soon absorbed the pressure and took control with most of the possession inside the Mariners half.
Central Coast looked to the counter and an opportunity to extend the lead went begging, as Sabit Ngor was unable to convert from a good opening in the 31st minute. His shot cleared off the line after he chipped the keeper, denying him his seventh goal of the season.
The visitors went into half-time one up and looking to press home the scoreline advantage.
The second half started well for Central Coast as Ali Auglah cut through the Victory defence and slotted the ball home only to be deemed offside by the assistant referee and the goal disallowed.
Pressure from the home side was building and a shot brought a good save from Redmayne but Nishan Velupillay headed home from the resulting corner to level the score.
Just four minutes later, Redmayne again makes a save but parries straight to Mata who heads home from the penalty spot to put the home side ahead.
Central Coast pushed for an equaliser as a Sebastian Esposito block on the line denied Bailey Brandtman and the Mariners.
The vital point in the game came when Nikos Vergos put the home side 3-1 in the 91st minute when Central Coast were searching for an equalising goal.
Melbourne Victory scored again in the 94th minute to bring an end to our eight game unbeaten run.
We next face Perth Glory on Saturday 4 April and look to bounce back at the Polytec Stadium
