Simon strikes late as Mariners end 11-month Hyundai A-League drought

The drought is over – Central Coast Mariners have won their first match of the season after trumping Melbourne City 2-1 in Wednesday night’s Hyundai A-League clash.

Matt Simon’s initial penalty kick was saved by Eugene Galekovic, but the Mariners skipper turned in the rebound to hand Mike Mulvey’s side a priceless 89th minute winner.

It came just 10 minutes after Terrigal-born forward Lachlan Wales had equalised with a bullet header to cancel out Connor Pain’s first half opener.

However, Simon’s heroics at the second time of asking spurred the Gosford club to their first Hyundai A-League win since February 2018.

The victory snaps a 10-match losing streak for Mulvey’s men, who were poised to equal a competition record for most consecutive losses had they succumbed to another defeat.


The Mariners were rewarded for a bright start when Pain fired past Galekovic after an excellent run and pass from Matt Millar to hand the hosts a 32nd minute advantage.

But having sleepwalked through the opening half, City rallied in the second and their gradual dominance was paid off via Wales’ sharp header.

A crushing blow from the former Mariners youth, and one which was dealt just minutes after Jordan Murray spurned a glorious chance to restore Central Coast’s lead.

However, Simon stepped up to the spot after being fouled by Rostyn Griffiths to send Central Coast Stadium into delirium.

HAT-TRICK HERO: Barbarouses savouring central role after evening of Hyundai A-League milestones
EVERY ONE CAN MARRY THEM: Babbel demands Wanderers drop nice-guy attitude
GOAL OF THE MONTH: Williams' stunning strike December's best

SummerOfHeroesBanner

 

LIVE BLOG: Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City

 

New free to air banner
Visit page
This article was originally published on the Hyundai A-League website.
Close