Central Coast Mariners recorded an impressive 1-0 win over Sydney FC in our third pre-season friendly in 11 days, thanks to a first half strike from Ryan Edmondson.
More encouraging news for the Mariners was seeing Bradley Tapp start and captain the team, his first start as he continues to go from strength-to-strength in his return to action.
The hosts, who were previously unbeaten in 10 pre-season outings, had new international signings Marcel Tisserand, Piero Quispe and Victor Campuzano all on display, whilst star-man Joe Lolley played 90 minutes – but the Mariners were dominant, especially in the first half, creating a number of opportunities and limiting Sydney to few clear-cut chances.
The win is ideal preparation for Jacko’s side who are now just over two weeks away from the 2025/26 season, as we kick-off on October 19th against our F3 Derby Rivals Newcastle Jets, at polytec Stadium.
On general sale NOW! 🤩
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 26, 2025
Get yours 👉 https://t.co/snr1y4QJQB#CCMFC https://t.co/mdsdCV4uyc
Line-Up
Starting XI: Redmayne; Roux, Donachie, Herrington, Mauragis; Tapp (C), McCalmont; De Lima, Di Pizio, Theoharous; Edmondson.
Substitutions:
15′ ON: Faisal OFF: Theoharous
46′ ON: Eames, Steele, Ngor, Brandtman OFF: Tapp, McCalmont, De Lima, Di Pizio
51′ ON: Paull OFF: Herrington
62′ ON: Peraic-Cullen, Kennedy, Duarte OFF: Redmayne, Roux, Edmondson
75′ ON: Mantell OFF: Faisal
First Half
It was a very strong first half for the Mariners who dominated and created a number of chances, Diesel Herrington going close with two headers early on.
The only negative to the start of the game for the Mariners was losing Christian Theoharous to a knock, he was replaced by Abdul Faisal who threatened the Sydney defence almost immediately after coming on, cutting inside onto his right foot and seeing a fierce shot blocked.
Joe Lolley had the Sky Blues’ first efforts of note, blasting over from range before going closer minutes later with a trademark curling shot from the edge of the box that went just wide.
Edmondson’s goal came on 29 minutes as the Mariners won possession high up the pitch after some good pressure, McCalmont poking a pass through to Edmondson in the box who clinically fired past Harrison Devenish-Meares into the bottom corner.
Quispe had a good opportunity to equalise for Sydney on 35 minutes, controlling a high ball in the box neatly, but his shot rolled wide of Andrew Redmayne’s goal as he looked to find the bottom corner.
Arthur De Lima then had a half-chance for the Mariners on the stroke of half time, but his half-volley struck the side netting from a difficult angle.
Second Half
Lolley wasn’t far away from a stunning goal for Sydney early in the second half as he caught a volley sweetly on his right foot from a corner, but saw it fly just over.
Half time substitutes Sabit Ngor and Bailey Brandtman looked to make their mark in attack for the Mariners, the latter with three shots in the first 10 minutes of the second half which were all not too far away, including one from a free-kick won by Ngor after a clever nutmeg on Joel King.
The Mariners then threatened with a piercing counter attack on 64 minutes, Ngor carrying the ball from the edge of our box before releasing Faisal on the left, but his cutback just evaded the yellow shirts who were attacking the box.
Sydney’s best chance of the second half also came on the break, Lolley carrying the ball in a three-on-one situation for the Sky Blues before threading in Pat Wood, but Dylan Peraic-Cullen thwarted him.
Lolley threatened one more time for the hosts, hitting a free-kick well from the edge of the box but Peraic-Cullen got a strong hand to it to keep it out.
Next Up
Your next opportunity to watch the Mariners in action is on Sunday 12th October as Jacko’s team take on Wellington Phoenix at Our Paradise, as the club celebrate our annual Fan Day!
READ MORE: October 12th locked In for FREE Fan Day and Wellington Friendly
We are excited to announce that our FREE annual Fan Day will take place on Sunday 12th October at Polytec Stadium! 🌴
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 30, 2025
As well as a range of activities for all fans, our Men's team will be in action against Wellington Phoenix💪
More info 👉 https://t.co/sIVxv6jHIH#CCMFC pic.twitter.com/63UQIbeUNK
