Central Coast Mariners Women travel to Melbourne to take on unbeaten Premiers Melbourne City at ctrl:cyber Pitch this Sunday (2pm kick-off), with a place in the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Grand Finals up for grabs.
by Priya O’Sullivan
Following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the First Leg at Our Paradise on Saturday, the Mariners head to Melbourne ready to fight for their spot in the Grand Final.
Unbeaten Premiers City topped the table in style but have been unable to topple the Mariners this season, with three meetings ending in draws, including another 2-2 draw back in November at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
A draw simply will not do this time, only one team can go through with penalties to decide if another 90 minutes ends all square. The pressure is on City as the home side and the Premiers, but the Mariners believe they have what it takes to end the Sky Blues’ treble hopes.
🔑 Key Players and battles
After going head-to-head three times already this season, both Head Coaches will feel like they have learned all there is to know about their opponent but players returning from injuries and tactical tweaks could spring a surprise and make all the difference.
Key players in attack for the Mariners include Brooke Nunn who stepped up when it mattered most, scoring both goals in the first leg to keep the tie wide open, as well as Jade Pennock and Annalise Rasmussen who combined brilliantly in attack for both goals.
Looking to contain the Mariners are experienced City captain Rebekah Stott and her centre back partner Taylor Otto, as well as the talented Alexia Apostolakis who was standout performer in the first leg, operating as a left-back but often inverting into midfield.
The middle of the park presents another intriguing battle with Izzy Gomez and Bianca Galic against the likes of Leticia McKenna, Laura Hughes and Leah Davidson.
City were missing a couple of key players in the first leg and will be hopeful that they will fit and ready to make an impact this time around, namely exciting forward players Mariana Speckmaier and Lourdes Bosch.
Bryleeh Henry led the line well for City in the first leg, with her pace in transition evident with her first goal, but Holly McNamara will be in contention for a start after a cameo off the bench.
The A-League’s Golden Boot winner didn’t have the impact she or City would’ve liked in the first leg, effectively shut down by 17-year-old Blake Hughes who showed maturity beyond her years once again.
Finally, Taylor Ray’s availability may still be uncertain, but the return of captain Taren King to partner ever-present Jessika Nash, along with full-backs Sarah Rowe and Annabel Martin, forms a reliable back four in front of Sarah Langman.
🗣 Husband: “I believe in this group so much”
Emily Husband and Jessika Nash were on media duty this week, get all their pre-match thoughts via the Official Central Coast Mariners YouTube.
⏮ Re-live last Saturday’s thrilling first leg here
