Central Coast Mariners 2 (Ferreira 32’ & Bingham 92’) Adelaide United 3 (Isaias 54’, Djite 64’ & Mauk 91’)
The Run Down
Despite heading into the sheds at half time with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a Fabio Ferreira strike, Adelaide United FC bagged three goals in the final 45 to snatch all three points at Central Coast Stadium, capped off with a late goal by Josh Bingham.
In a game delayed four hours from its original 3pm kick off due to the heat, it was a physical encounter from the get go.
And it was a brilliant Fabio Ferreira goal that had the Mariners up 1-0 at the break and looking confident in front of their home crowd.
Yet in their fourth game in 14 days, the Reds fought back with three second half goals to cancel out Ferreira’s opener and Bingham’s late strike.
The Mariners head South to face Melbourne City next week in Hyundai A-League Round 20.
Special mention goes to 18-year-old midfielder, Liam Rose who put in an outstanding shift that included the assist for Ferreira’s opener.
GOALS
32’ FERREIRA GOAL: Rose was having a fantastic game in the midfield and it was only fitting that his pass would set up the opening goal. Ferreira then found himself in acres of space that he covered in seconds to finish from close range with class.
54’ ISAIAS GOAL: The Reds had not scored a free kick this Hyundai A-League Season and Isaias stepped up to the dead ball to score their first. With precision, his free kick nestled perfectly into Izzo’s side netting to level the scores.
64’ DJITE GOAL: It was another set piece, but this time a controversial decision that resulted in the second Adelaide goal. A corner headed on by McGowan found the foot of Djite who finished from close range despite coming from what looked to be an offside position.
91’ MAUK GOAL: Built up by Craig Goodwin, Mauk was on hand to belt home Adelaide’s final goal to seal all three points.
92’ BINGHAM GOAL: In a sign of great character, the Mariners stood up in front of their fans and showed they were not done fighting. Substitute, Bingham fired home from close range to finish off the match.
Walmsley’s words
“There’s big room for improvement for us, we caused them some problems at times and we knew we were capable of that with Mitch Austin and Fab Ferreira,” Walmlsey said.
“My understanding is that it [second goal] was offside but sometimes you don’t get those and in the situation we’re in you really need those kind of things to be dealt with and today it didn’t happen.
“We finished the game strong, Bingham came on and did a great job up front and he showed a lot of promise.
“The second goal definitely took the wind out of our sails but once they got past it, they finished strong. Fran Stella hit a 20-yard volley that sizzled just over the bar, if he sticks that in we’re 2-2 and who knows what might happen.
“Luis’ leadership on the pitch was great, it’s always harder to start a game and he had some good moments and good touches but he will build from that performance, the players just lift having him on the pitch.
“Really pleased to have Harry Ascroft back next week as he gives us extra bite and pace in any sort of defensive role.
“Rosey [Liam] is a great footballer, we’re relying on an 18-year-old to pick the ball up from the back and make things happen for us which is on one hand exciting but on the other hand it’s an indicator that the squad is where it’s at. He’s an exciting player and all we want from him is to keep exploring the positive aspects of his game.
“Luis is having an impact on a lot of players, even the older ones, Liam Rose being able to sustain these performances week in week out is his biggest challenge because the fatigue will kick in earlier with a younger player but this exposure for him is fantastic,” Walmsley said.
Central Coast Mariners: Izzo (GK); Roux, McGing, Poscoliero, J Rose; Montgomery, L Rose (Buhagiar 81′), Garcia (Bingham (58’) Neill (Stella 63’); Ferreira, Austin.
Subs: Bray (GK), Buhagiar, McDonald, Stella, Bingham.
Adelaide United: Galekovic (GK); Marrone, McGowan, Elsey, Goodwin; Mells, Isaias, Carrusca (Mauk 69’) Kamau (Sanchez 77’) Djite, Cirio (Dugandzic 87’)
Subs: Hall (GK), Mauk, Sanchez, Warland, Dugandzic.
Yellow cards: Poscoliero, Elsey, McGown
Attendance: 5096 @ Central Coast Stadium
