The Central Coast Mariners fell to Melbourne City on Friday night, going down 3-1 at AAMI Park as the Hyundai A-League’s Remembrance Round kicked off.
Both sides started well with City testing the Mariners in the opening minutes, but the first proper chance fell to Sam Silvera.
A long range strike from Jack Clisby deflected to the young winger who set himself quickly before stinging an effort inches wide of Dean Bouzanis’ goal.
The deadlock was broken after 17 minutes with the hosts taking the lead through a Curtis Good header. After Mark Birighitti tipped Scott Jamieson’s effort over the bar, the resulting corner saw Good stoop low to divert Lachie Wales’ whipped cross into the back of the net.
After a tight ten minute spell Tommy Oar burst down the left before skipping inside his marker and testing Bouzanis with a well struck shot which was cleared for a corner at the second attempt.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR OUR NEXT HOME GAME!
The hosts began to step up the pressure in an attempt to double their advantage with Craig Noone striking the crossbar before Giancarlo Gallifuoco did well to block an effort from Adrian Luna, and the difference remained a goal at half time.
Eunsun Kim replaced Gallifuoco with Alen Stajcic’s first change early in the second half, but City doubled their advantage on the hour mark as Luna was first to Connor Metcalfe’s cross into the box.
20 minutes later City scored their third when a mis-hit set piece from the left was flicked towards goal by Delbridge. His strike was clawed away by a diving Birighitti who was helpless to prevent Rostyn Griffiths firing the rebound home.
Danny DeSilva came close to a late goal but his stinging effort went straight to Bouzanis, however he turned provider moments after, flicking the ball on to substitute Jordan Murray to rifle home under pressure with a composed finish.
.@jordanmurray28 opened his @ALeague account for the season with a tidy finish late in the game at AAMI Park! #CCMFC #MCYvCCM #FeedTheMuzz
?️ @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/xK0gjkXckf— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) November 8, 2019
After two weeks on the road the Mariners return to the coast and will look to bounce back against Adelaide United in Round six at Central Coast Stadium.
