@ccmariners

Mariners Match Wrap: Points shared in Perth

Central Coast Mariners were held to a fourth Isuzu UTE A-League draw in a row, after a close-fought battle in Perth.

Perth took the lead early after a clinical finish from their talisman Adam Taggart, but the Mariners grabbed a deserved equaliser in the second half, albeit via a mistake from Perth keeper Oli Sail who allowed Haine Eames strike to squirm through his legs.

Both sides threw everything forward in search of a winner, in an entertaining and physical second half battle, but shared the points for the second time this season.

🔢 Line-Up

Mark Jackson named an unchanged starting eleven, whilst his options were boosted by the returns of Lucas Mauragis and Miguel Di Pizio, who both came off the bench in the second half.

Starting XI: Peraic-Cullen (GK), Kaltak, Sainsbury (C), Theoharous, Doka, Roux, Steele, Faisal, Paull, Eames, Edmondson.

Substitutions:
46′ ON: Kuol, Mauragis, Di Pizio OFF: Theoharous, Faisal, Edmondson
74′ ON: Kuzevski OFF: Roux
90′ ON: Scicluna OFF: Doka

Unused subs: Pavlesic (GK), Herrington.

First Half

Perth started strongly in front of their home supporters and found the breakthrough after eight minutes, Taggart striking into the bottom corner after being found in the box by Lachie Wales.

After a few additional half-chances from Glory the Mariners started to threaten, with Abdul Faisal looking dangerous down the left hand side. He had a strike deflected wide from range, our first warning shot at the Perth defence.

It was Ryan Edmondson who had the next chance to draw us level, after some nice strength saw him create space from his defender in the penalty area. Storm Roux’s cross finding his head, with the Englishman only able to direct it into Oli Sail’s hands.

Both teams looked to add one to their tally before the half time break, with Theoharous having our best chance. His long range strike requiring an impressive diving save from Sail, while Taggart went close for the home team from outside the penalty area.

Second half

Jacko opted to shake things up as we entered for the second half, with Alou Kuol coming on as well as the returning Miguel Di Pizio and Lucas Mauragis.

With those changes came some serious momentum for the Mariners, as we dictated play for the opening 15 minutes after the break.

With that pressure ultimately came a goal on the hour mark for the Mariners, Eames rewarded for his willingness to shoot from range, a moment that Sail will want to forget.

The ball skipping off the turf before tucking in under the body of the Perth goalkeeper, finding a way through his legs before rolling into the back of the net.

With both teams pushing firmly for a winning goal Dylan Peraic-Cullen came up big on a number of occasions, making some superb saves to keep the scores level.

The final Mariners chance came deep into injury time as Di Pizio kept Kuzevski’s 96th minute free-kick alive, but couldn’t find anyone as he drilled the ball into the danger area.

A point was somewhat frustrating for the Mariners but probably a fair reflection in the end. Jacko’s side ending the match with more possession (56%) and shots on target (6 – 4), despite Perth having 16 shots to our 10.

▶️ Post-match reaction via Central Coast Mariners YouTube

Watch the full highlights below, with further match reaction including post-match interviews available via Central Coast Mariners on YouTube.

🌴 Next up

Jacko and the squad have a weekend off A-League action, but a busy schedule continues with back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite clashes. We host Malaysian powerhouses Johor Darul Ta’zim on Tuesday, before travelling to Japan to take on Kawasaki Frontale in our final group stage match.

We are back at Our Paradise on February 22nd for a huge match against Western Sydney Wanderers. Get your A-League tickets here!

Related News View More