Commbank Stadium 22nd November 2025
An electrifying start at Commbank Stadium saw three goals scored within the opening 12 minutes of Saturday night’s clash between the Central Coast Mariners and the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Isuzu A League. The Wanderers struck almost instantly, with Bozhidar Kraev finding the net in the 1st minute to give the hosts the perfect start.
Central Coast hit back in the 9th minute, when Lucas Mauragis’ deflected strike levelled the score. But the Mariners’ equaliser was short-lived – just 90 seconds later, Kosta Barbarouses restored the Wanderers’ lead. The New Zealander doubled his tally soon after, converting from the penalty spot following a Mariners handball.
Momentum then swung again as VAR spotted a handball at the other end, gifting Central Coast a penalty. Alfie McCalmont calmly slotted it home, reducing the deficit to 3-2 by halftime.
Despite the explosive opening period, the second half produced no further goals, with both sides battling but unable to break through.
The Wanderers ultimately held on for a 3-2 win, claiming their first victory of the season.
Mariner’s coach Warren Moon said overall he was disappointed but he believed the team deserved at least something out of the match. ‘It’s disappointing for me that we’ve been pretty good defensively so far this season’ Moon said, ‘going forward this is the area that we need to most improve’.
The Mariners now turn their focus to their next home clash on Saturday, 29 November, against Melbourne City.
