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Match Wrap: Massive three points in Wellington

Central Coast Mariners picked up a huge away win on Saturday afternoon, defeating finals-contenders Wellington Phoenix 2-0 at Porirua Park.

Annalise Rasmussen won and converted a penalty late in the first half to give the Mariners the lead, before in-form Izzy Gomez fired home the all important second goal in the 52nd minute.

The win moves the Mariners up to fifth in the table, although Brisbane in sixth have a game in hand, and all-but ends Wellington’s top-six hopes.

🔢 Line-Up

Starting XI: Langman (GK), Nash, Martin (C), Gomez, Pennock, Galic, Ray, Rasmussen, Rowe, Nunn, Trimis.

Substitutions:
57′ ON: Fuller OFF: Nunn
67′ ON: Puxty, Hughes OFF: Rowe, Trimis
89′ ON: Quilligan OFF: Gomez

Unused subs: Carmichael (GK)

First Half

It was a cagey start to the game in windy conditions, Wellington threatened in the 20th minute from a corner which caused problems in the Mariners box, before Langman did well to pounce on the ball.

From there, the Mariners took control of the game and almost took the lead on the half hour mark, with what would have been a stunning goal from Gomez, as she struck a left-footed half-volley sweetly but saw it crash off the underside of the bar.

Rasmussen then struck a free-kick into the wall, with Annabel Martin also seeing her follow-up blocked.

The penalty came from the Mariners hitting the crossbar for a second time, as Peta Trimis got up brilliantly at the back post and saw her header come back off the woodwork, Rasmussen followed up and was bundled over.

The 19-year-old took responsibility herself, coolly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for her fifth goal of the season.

Second half

The Mariners started the second half as they left off in the first, Gomez doubling our lead just seven minutes after the restart with this superb strike.

From there, Emily Husband’s second-half substitutes did a great job of shoring up the defence, in particular Blake Hughes who came on for just her fourth Ninja A-League appearance and once again caught the eye.

In just 23 minutes on the pitch, the 17-year-old racked up an incredible 15 defensive actions, bettered only by Jess Nash (18) and Annabel Martin (16), both of whom played the full 90 minutes.

In added time, Langman produced the save of the game, diving full-stretch to tip over Manaia Elliott’s long-range effort.

▶️ Highlights via Central Coast Mariners YouTube
🌟 Gomez POTM as Langman celebrates 100

After a trademark all-action performance in midfield, Gomez won the Maccas Fans’ Player of the Match, whilst Langman celebrated 100 A-League appearances just how she would have wanted, with a clean sheet.

🌴 Next up

Next up, the Mariners return to Our Paradise on March 30th for our Charity Round Double Header!

The action kicks-off at 3pm with our Men’s team taking on Perth Glory, with our Women’s team following at 5:45pm with a huge game against Brisbane Roar.

For more information on Charity Round and to get your tickets, click the banner below.

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