Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Ninja A-League on Friday evening at Our Paradise.
The Mariners led at half time thanks to Jess Nash’s first A-League goal, before a dramatic second half saw the lead swing twice with five goals.
Quick-fire goals from the visitors at the start of the second half put them in front, but the Mariners regained the lead with two free-flowing attacks leading to goals from Annalise Rasmussen and Tiana Fuller.
There would be disappointment at the end though for the Mariners as Perth hit back again, to ensure the spoils were shared at the end of a six-goal thriller.
🔢 Line-Up
Starting XI: Langman (GK), Nash, Martin (C), Gomez, Pennock, Galic, Ray, Rasmussen, Rowe, Quilligan, Trimis.
Substitutions:
46′ ON: Nunn OFF: Galic
64′ ON: Fuller OFF: Rasmussen
77′ ON: Hughes OFF: Rowe
84′ ON: McMahon OFF: Trimis
Unused subs: Carmichael (GK)
Your Mariners to take on Perth Glory tonight! 🫡#CCMFC #CCMvPER #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/cgh9AvOilL
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 14, 2025
First Half
It was a cagey start to the game, with the only notable effort in the first 15 minutes coming from Perth’s Tijan McKenna, whose long-range effort was heading for the top corner if not for a smart save from Sarah Langman.
The deadlock was broken by the Mariners on 19 minutes as a well-worked short corner eventually fell to the feet of Nash in the box, who planted her first A-League goal into the top corner, a goal five years in the making for the 20-year-old.
There was a huge opportunity for the Mariners to double their lead before the break, as Izzy Gomez was presented with a chance in front of goal after a missed clearance, but she dragged her shot just wide of the post.
Second half
Perth hit back early in the second half as Sarah O’Donoghue’s free-kick found it’s way into the back of the net, levelling the scores.
The Mariners responded well, with Peta Trimis showing some quick feet to create a shooting chance, but her shot was tipped over the bar.
On 56 minutes, Perth took the lead as O’Donoghue found herself in on goal and finished past Langman to make it 2-1.
The Mariners didn’t take long to respond, with half time substitute Brook Nunn making a big impact as she split the Perth defence with a pass to Trimis who put the ball on a plate for Rasmussen to net her fourth goal of the season.
That would be Rasmussen’s final involvement as she was replaced by Fuller and not for the first time this season, the 16-year-old took no time to make her mark on the game.
Having been on the field just five minutes, Fuller was found by Gomez and calmly rounded Casey Dumont and rolled in her fifth of the season, continuing an outstanding breakout campaign.
The Mariners looked to be heading for a big three points, but were pegged back in added time as McKenna’s shot found the back of the net off the inside of the post.
▶️ Highlights 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
Husband’s team make their first ever trip to Wellington Phoenix next weekend for another crucial game in the battle for a top six spot.
They then return to Our Paradise to take on Brisbane Roar on March 30th, the second part of our Charity Round Double Header!
For more information on Charity Round and to get your tickets, click the banner below.
