The Mariners extend their winning streak to three games with a thrilling comeback
Fresh from back-to-back victories against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, there was a sense of expectation around polytec Stadium for the hosts.
The visitors started strongly with Wanderers’ Ryan Fraser proving a handful down the left wing in the early stages.
The early pressure paid off for the visitors as Ryan Fraser cut inside, found Thurgate, who finished past Redmayne to give the Wanderers a 1-0 lead inside 8 minutes.
At the 20-minute mark, Ryan Fraser once again proved dangerous as he broke down the left to deliver a perfect ball across goal to Brandon Borrello, who smashed it into the crossbar from close range.
Against the run of play, Roux produced a beautiful ball over the top to find Kaito Taniguchi, who missed a huge chance to level the game for the Mariners in the 33rd minute.
Inside stoppage time in the first half, Ryan Fraser whipped a corner into the box, then chaos ensued. Redmayne saved Barbarouses’ first attempt from close range, then Cancar rattled the crossbar, and finally Pantazopoulos shot was deflected by an incredible hand from Redmayne.
Somehow, it was still 1-0 to the Wanderers after a dominant first-half performance, having 11 shots to 1 and 67% of the possession.
The second half began just as the first, with the Wanderers owning the opening stages, with Kosta Barbarouses threatening to double the visitors’ advantage in the 50th minute and then again in the 53rd minute.
The Mariners went level through Ali Auglah after an exceptional left-foot finish in the 55th minute. It was his second goal in three games and gave the hosts a desperately needed boost.
But it was the Wanderers who regained their ascendancy in the 69th minute with a beautifully worked team goal. Ryan Fraser was found on the break, playing a lovely ball through to Boykov Kraev, who connects with Hiroshi Ibusuki as he finished the job to put the Wanderers ahead 2-1.
The Mariners fought back again in the 77th minute. Lucas Mauragis delivered a delightful cross into the box with Nathanael Blair on the receiving end to score and level the game again.
In the 89th minute, the Mariners snatched victory in extraordinary style. Bailey Brandtman’s long-range shot cannoned off the post with defender James Doncahie on hand to strike the ball into the back of the net.
With the win, the Mariners extend their winning run to three matches and move up to 7th on the ladder.
The Mariners now turn their attention to a highly anticipated F3 Derby against rivals Newcastle next Saturday at polytec Stadium. Secure your seat now, tickets available via Ticketek.
