Central Coast Mariners have retained the F3 Derby trophy for another year with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle Jets in the Ninja A-League at No.2 Sportsground on a scorching evening in Newcastle.
Extreme heat saw the match delayed by two hours, with two additional drinks breaks per half implemented to manage conditions in what was always shaping as a fierce derby decider. With one hand firmly on the ‘Highway Rail-Guard Trophy’, the Mariners knew the stakes heading into the contest.
Both sides had their moments in an evenly contested first half. The Mariners moved the ball well and applied sustained pressure, but a handful of turnovers invited dangerous Jets counter attacks. Chances were created at both ends, though most efforts drifted just wide of the target.
Concern struck in the 32nd minute when Isabella Coco Di-Sipio went down with a knee injury and was forced from the field, missing the remainder of the match. Tiana Fuller replaced her and immediately caused problems for the Jets defence with her direct running and tough presence.
Ten minutes of stoppage time were added to the opening half, and it was Newcastle who capitalised. In the first minute of added time, Kelly Brown found the back of the net to give the Jets a 1-0 lead. Moments later, confusion in the Mariners’ backline saw goalkeeper Annalee Grove produce a daring save to prevent further damage.
The Mariners pushed for an equaliser before the break but headed into half time trailing by one.
The second half belonged to the Mariners.
Just seven minutes after the restart, Peta Trimis produced a moment of quality, showcasing beautiful footwork before finishing clinically in the 52nd minute. A slight deflection helped the ball on its way, but it was a deserved equaliser in the heat of the F3 Derby.
Tensions rose as the contest became increasingly physical, with chances traded at both ends. Trimis continued to terrorise down the right flank and was again the architect five minutes later. Her driving run and perfectly weighted cross found Annalise Rasmussen, who karate kicked a superb volley into the net in the 57th minute to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead and move herself into outright Golden Boot contention.
Substitutions followed in the 81st minute, with Avaani Prakash and Trimis making way for Tamar Levin and Millie Farrow. Rasmussen nearly doubled her tally soon after, firing her trademark strike narrowly wide of the post.
The Jets threw everything forward late, and with minutes remaining a frantic scramble in the Mariners’ box nearly produced an equaliser. Grove and defender Annabel Martin combined for a few incredible goal line saves to keep the Mariners in front.
Five minutes of stoppage time were added, but the Mariners held firm to secure a memorable 2-1 victory and retain the F3 Trophy for another year.
Post match, head coach Kory Babington reflected on the game:
‘It wasn’t our best performance. The second half we changed a few things, the players executed really well, and keeping the Jets out in the final 15 was really pleasing. It shows the belief in the players.’
The Mariners return home next weekend, hosting Perth Glory on Sunday 18 January, with kick off scheduled for 5:00pm at Polytec Stadium.
