Late Simon penalty sees Mariners draw with Glory at rain-soaked Gosford

A penalty from Matt Simon in the final minute has helped Central Coast Mariners snatch a 2-2 draw with Perth Glory at a water-logged Gosford on Sunday.

Glory looked on course for an upset win after goals from Bruno Fornaroli and Nick D’Agostino gave them the lead after Marco Urena’s opener for the home side.

But Simon had the final say, converting a penalty he won in the dying minutes after he was bundled over in the box by Glory debutant Luke Bodnar.

It was a thrilling end to what was a high quality contest played in heavy and constant rain throughout the 90 minutes.

The atrocious weather on the Central Coast saw kick-off delayed by 30 minutes, but the delay didn’t affect either side who will feel they did enough to take all three points.

The result sees the Mariners extend their lead at the top of the ladder to six points, while Perth are three points behind sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers but have two games in hand.

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Key moments

Reddy denies the Mariners early

The slippery conditions made for a frantic start and the home side almost made the perfect start inside four minutes.

Daniel Bouman’s lofted pass into the box was expertly controlled by Urena, giving the striker a clear sight of goal.

But Liam Reddy was quick off his line to come out and block Urena’s shot with his body.

Urena makes this one count

Even in the boggy conditions the Mariners were still playing some excellent football and a flowing mood led to the opening goal on 25 minutes.

Matt Simon combined with Daniel Bouman down the right and the latter’s cross was met by Daniel De Silva’s strike which was parried away by Reddy.

But the ball fell to Urena and from a tight angle he managed to squeeze it through the legs of Reddy and into the net.

Bruno bags an equaliser for Perth

Just when it looked like the Mariners would get to the break in the lead they were hit by a Glory sucker punch.

Neil Kilkenny’s inch-perfect cross was met by a sensational header from Fornaroli, who guided it past a stranded Mark Birighitti in the Mariners goal.

It was Fornaroli’s seventh goal of the campaign, while Kilkenny notched his sixth assist.

Woodwork keeps scores level

There was still time for a mad goalmouth scramble before half-time, with Central Coast inches away from regaining the lead.

First De Silva saw his shot punched away by Reddy, before Oliver Bozanic curled a shot with the outside of his left boot onto the post.

Urena’s shit was then blocked away for a corner in what was a lucky escape for the visitors.

Nick puts ‘dagger’ into Mariners hearts

D’Agostino was having a big impact off the bench and showed his quality with a composed finish to give Glory the lead 14 minutes from the end.

Diego Castro and Andy Keogh were the architects, allowing D’Agostino to have the opportunity to get a shot on target.

And the Olyroos’ powerful, low strike snuck just inside Birighitti’s near post to put the visitors into the lead, scoring what was Glory's 600th goal in their A-League history.

Simon salvages a draw at the death

Glory youngster Luke Bodnar was having a superb debut but was involved in the key incident right at the end of the match.

Bodnar barged into the back of Simon and after the VAR intervened, referee Kurt Ams awarded the Mariners a penalty.

And Simon picked himself off the canvas to slot it past Reddy and snatch a draw for the league leaders.

Next matches

Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners
Monday, March 22, 2021
AAMI Park
Kick-off: 7.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre

Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory
Friday, March 19, 2021
Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 7.05pm (AEDT)
Match Centre

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