Polytec Stadium, ‘Our Paradise’ – Saturday 29 November
Central Coast Mariners battled to a hard-earned 0-0 draw against reigning premiers Melbourne City in a tense encounter at Polytec Stadium.
City enjoyed the brighter start, forcing several early chances, but Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was sharp, denying the visitors and setting the tone in a back and forth first half. The home crowd thought they had the breakthrough on the stroke of half time when Sabit Ngor found the net, only for VAR to rule the striker offside. The sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
Both teams emerged after half time with renewed intensity, trading periods of pressure and making attacking changes midway through the second half. Mariners substitute Nico Duarte came closest, forcing a strong save from City keeper Patrick Beach with a well placed header.
Melbourne City mounted a late surge and thought they had stolen the points when Andrew Nabbout tucked home in the final minutes, but the assistant referee’s flag quickly confirmed an offside, ensuring the match finished scoreless.
Post-match, Mariners coach Warren Moon reflected on the positives: ‘We didn’t lose the game, we kept a clean sheet, we respect the fact we played the champions of Australia. At the same time we were optimistic about walking away with the 3 points – but we’ll take the point.’
The Mariners now turn their attention to another home fixture, hosting Sydney FC next Saturday, December 6 at 7:35pm, following the women’s team’s clash with the Newcastle Jets at 5:00pm in a blockbuster double header.
