Statement made as Mariners stun Champions in Round One

Central Coast Mariners began their Ninja A-League season with a statement victory, defeating reigning Champions Sydney FC 3-1 at Our Paradise.

It was a perfect result for Husband and the team to kick-off the season. New signing Jade Pennock impressed, scoring her first goal in yellow and navy from the penalty spot on 41 minutes, before turning provider in the second half, setting up goals for Izzy Gomez and Bianca Galic.

Line-Up

Four players made their Mariners debuts from the start in Pennock, Brianne Riley, Jessika Nash and Brooke Nunn.

Annabel Martin captained the side in the absence of Taren King and new vice-captain Bianca Galic, who started on the bench after returning from Croatia international duty late this week.

There was a memorable moment for local Coastie Leia Puxty, who was introduced late on to make her debut for her childhood club.

Starting XI: Langman (GK), Riley, Irwin, Nash, Martin (C), Gomez, Pennock, Ray, Nunn, Trimis, Evans.

Substitutions:
46′ ON: Galic OFF: Evans
63′ ON: Rasmussen OFF: Trimis
77′ ON: Quillingan OFF: Nunn
90′ ON: Puxty OFF: Pennock

Unused Subs: Morrissey (GK)

First Half

Both sides had early chances from set pieces, with Riley heading wide from Martin’s corner before Natalie Tobin powered a header over the bar at the other end.

Pennock had her first chance on 10 minutes, turning sharply and firing just over the bar from the edge of the box.

An end-to-end first half continued as Hana Lowry had a decent opportunity at the other end but couldn’t keep her effort down.

Peta Trimis then had a great opportunity but was denied by Brianna Edwards from close range after Izzy Gomez headed Taylor Ray’s free-kick across goal.

Sarah Langman was then called into action for the first time on 32 minutes, making a fantastic diving save to deny Shae Connors’ curling effort.

The Mariners opened the scoring before half time as Pennock coolly slotted home from 12 yards, after Millie Farrow blocked Trimis’ shot with her hands.

And @CCMariners take the lead against the CHAMPIONS✨

Jade Pennock sends the goalkeeper the wrong way with a ❄️ finish to send @CCMariners up 1-0.

Catch #CCMvSYD live on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/K8AYwmRX27
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) November 2, 2024

Second half

Sydney spurned an early chance to level the scores in the second half as Shae Connors scuffed a shot wide from six yards and the Mariners would punish them 10 minutes later.

Gomez smashed in just her second goal for the club and the pick of the goals on the day, winning the ball high up the pitch before linking up with Pennock and firing past Brianna Edwards.

🥜 The nutmeg from Pennock
💥 The finish from Gomez

What a goal to double our lead 😍#CCMFC #CCMvSYD #RideTheWave🌊 | @aleaguewomen pic.twitter.com/3QgOxSf8rW
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) November 2, 2024

Sydney got a goal back through substitute Princess Ibini who calmly slotted past Langman from inside the box.

You would have anticipated a tense finish but instead the Mariners got straight back on top in the game, Annalise Rasmussen fired narrowly wide a minute after Ibini’s goal, before the Mariners restored their two-goal lead on 87 minutes.

Galic sealed the victory with what is also her second goal for the club, tapping home after more great work from Gomez and Pennock in the build-up.

All smiles for Bianca Galic 😁@CCMariners have canceled out @SydneyFC goal through Bianca Galic just moments after conceding!

Catch the finish to #CCMvSYD Live on Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/3MMZ5cOzqi
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) November 2, 2024