Central Coast Mariners returned to winning ways courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in their Hyundai A-League 2013/14 round 21 encounter at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday evening.
Central Coast Mariners returned to winning ways courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in their Hyundai A-League 2013/14 round 21 encounter at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday evening.
Goals from South Korean whiz Kim Seung-yong and pacey attacker Mitchell Duke helped the home side claim all three points and record their third win against the Sky Blues this campaign.
The success by Phil Moss-s men also snapped a four game domestic losing streak, and consolidated the Club-s position inside the Hyundai A-League-s top six.
It was a cagey start to the clash at a sodden Central Coast Stadium, with few clear-cut opportunities created by either side in the early going.
Central Coast came close to opening their account in the 22nd minute as Kim fired a shot at Vedran Janjetovic. Seconds later, left-back Joshua Rose tried his luck after connecting with Mile Sterjovski as he sent his header on target, however Sydney gloveman Janjetovic made the save.
The Mariners continued to control the tempo and were rewarded only minutes later as Kim netted his first goal in yellow and navy as he curled his brilliant free kick over the Sydney FC wall and into the back of the net. The stunning set-piece – combined with an elaborate celebration to match – showed why the former Ulsan Hyundai and Gamba Osaka gun is enroute to becoming a fan favourite at the Club.
New Zealand international Storm Roux replaced former Suwon Bluewings, JEF United Chiba and Dinamo Zagreb man Eddy Bosnar in the 38th minute due to a groin injury.
Frank Farina-s side were handed a good opportunity to level the score on the stroke of half time as marquee man Alessandro Del Piero struck his shot from range. However, Central Coast goalkeeper Liam Reddy palmed the ball away.
Forward Ranko Despotovic came close to finding the net for the visitors after the break as he sent his effort flying over the woodwork from the edge of the area.
Del Piero struck a superb free kick from range shortly after but Reddy proved up to the task as he blocked the ball to safety.
Rose had an opportunity to double the advantage for the Mariners in the 60th minute when he attempted to lob Janjetovic after the custodian had raced off his line to tip the ball away from the onrushing Kim.
Two minutes later Sydney found the equaliser via the boot of forward Richard Garcia. Sydney defender Nikola Petkovic-s initial shot was palmed away by Reddy, but Garcia managed to fire the rebound into the net on the angle.
Central Coast reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute as Mile Sterjovski linked with Duke, who made no mistake as he blasted his strike beyond the Sydney shot stopper and into the net for his third goal of the season.
Terry Antonis had a chance to restore parity to the clash in the dying stages but Reddy produced a smart save to deny the Sky Blues youngster and ensure the Mariners claimed victory over their southern foes.
Post match Central Coast Mariners boss Moss said the win was for everyone who kept believing in his side.
“There-s been a lot of long hours done this week, in particular with the travel to Korea,” he said. “But over the last four weeks with every loss, we-ve worked harder. I thought tonight was just reward for all the effort that-s been put in, and the belief of everyone – the players, the staff, the administration staff, the owner, our CEO, and the supporters.”
“The banner that they [the supporters] came out with at the start of the game was a show of solidarity and that-s what this club is all about, sticking together.”
Central Coast Mariners will play their next Hyundai A-League fixture away to Melbourne Victory on Friday 7 March, before returning to Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday 11 March for matchday 2 of the 2014 AFC Champions League. Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be the opponent when the Mariners switch their focus from their domestic duties, to their continental campaign.
Central Coast Mariners FC 2 (Kim 26-, Duke 75-)
Sydney FC 1 (Garcia 62-)
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Central Coast Mariners FC: 12. Liam REDDY (Gk), 3. Joshua ROSE (29. Matt SIM 72-), 4. Marcel SEIP, 5. Zachary ANDERSON, 7. John HUTCHINSON (C), 9. Mitchell DUKE, 11. Nick FITZGERALD, 17. Anthony CACERES, 21. Mile STERJOVSKJI, 25. Eddy BOSNAR (15. Storm ROUX 39-), 26. Kim SEUNG-YONG (20. Bernie IBINI 70-)
Substitutes not used: 1. Justin PASFIELD (Gk), 28. Glen TRIFIRO
Yellow cards: Seip
Red cards: Nil
Sydney FC: 4. Ranko DESPOTOVIC, 5. Matthew JURMAN, 6. Nikola PETKOVIC, 9. Corey GAMEIRO (11. Richard GARCIA 46-), 10. Alessandro DEL PIERO (C), 13. Sasa OGNENOVSKI, 17. Terry ANTONIS, 20. Vedran JANJETOVIC (Gk), 21. Ali ABBAS, 24. Hagi GLIGOR (28. Matthew THOMPSON 76-), 34. Aaron CALVER (29. Alex UROSEVSKI 80-)
Substitutes not used: 1. Ivan NECEVSKI (Gk), 36. Themba MUATA-MARLOW
Yellow cards: Calver, Del Piero, Gligor
Red cards: Nil
Referee: Jarred GILLETT
Attendance: 6,430
