A storm delayed start at ‘Our Paradise’ Polytec Stadium set the tone for a dramatic Isuzu UTE A-League meeting, as Sydney FC claimed a 2-1 victory over the Central Coast Mariners.
The match opened in unusual fashion when play briefly stopped for Christian Theoharous to receive treatment for a nosebleed. But it was the Mariners who struck first, with Bradley Tapp firing home in the 9th minute to give the hosts an early advantage.
Sydney responded 20 minutes later through Al Hassan Toure, who finished confidently to bring the visitors level. The Mariners came agonisingly close to restoring their lead when Miguel Di Pizio smashed a shot off the crossbar, before Theoharous followed up with another strike that also rattled the woodwork. Just before the break, Di Pizio found the net again-only for the assistant’s flag to rule him offside.
With the sides locked nil all at half time, the second half opened with two early Mariners substitutions as Bailey Brandtman and Sebit Ngor entered the match.
Tapp found himself in the book in the 58th minute for a bad challenge and Sydney made the most of its momentum when Victor Campuzano converted in the 67th minute to put Sydney in front.
Tempers flared late as Sydney head coach Ufuk Talay received a yellow card for dissent, with both teams collecting cautions on the night. Five minutes of added time kept the contest alive, but the Mariners couldn’t find an equaliser.
Sydney FC held firm to secure a 2-1 win on the road, leaving the Mariners to rue missed chances and two strikes against the crossbar.
Mariners coach Warren Moon said post match – ‘it’s a bit of a hollow feeling, at times we were really good and at times we let ourselves down, and that’s part of the highs and lows of where we’re at now’.
Mariners now prepare for another home clash against Auckland FC this Friday 12 December at Polytec Stadium.
