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Central Coast Mariners climbed to fourth place after a 0-0 draw with Melbourne City on New Year’s Eve. Emily Husband’s team showcased tactical discipline and resilience to secure the result against the undefeated premiers.
Unlike many scoreless draws, this contest was anything but dull. The Mariners and City engaged in an intriguing battle, highlighting their respective strengths. Mariners displayed organization and adaptability, while City reaffirmed their status as the league’s most formidable side, despite missing key opportunities.
Fielding a makeshift lineup, the Mariners positioned Irish attacker Sarah Rowe at right-back, while Bianca Galic filled in at centre-back for the injured Ash Irwin. City also adjusted their squad, benching captain Rebekah Stott, with Alexia Apostolakis stepping into central defence and Bryleeh Henry slotting into fullback.
City dominated possession in the first half, but clear chances were scarce. The Mariners compacted the midfield, forcing City into quick, precise passes that often led to turnovers. Tess Quilligan supported Rowe in containing winger Lourdes Bosch, while Kathryn Harvey’s on-target effort was calmly saved by Sarah Langman.
Taylor Ray orchestrated Central Coast’s midfield, demonstrating her passing prowess and vision. Since joining from Sydney FC, Ray has transitioned from an enforcer to a pivotal deep-lying playmaker.
Peta Trimis posed a constant threat in the final third, notably outpacing defenders with an acrobatic move to deliver a dangerous cross, though City’s defense managed to clear the danger.
City’s best chance came from Leticia McKenna’s powerful strike that struck the crossbar. Substitute Holly McNamara made an immediate impact, earning two penalties. The first, taken by Rhianna Pollicina, was saved by Langman, while the second, taken by Mariana Speckmaier, missed wide.
Despite dominating the best scoring opportunities, City left Gosford with a sense of missed chances, but the draw preserved their four-point lead at the top and extended their unbeaten streak.
Central Coast’s solid form solidifies their Finals credentials, demonstrating depth and tenacity even in the absence of key players. City, while frustrated, remain unbeaten and continue to lead the league alongside Brisbane Roar.
Teams:
Central Coast Mariners (4-2-3-1): Langman, Rowe, Galic, Nash, Martin, Quilligan, Ray, Pennock, Nunn, Trimis, Rasmussen.
Substitutes: Fuller, Puxty, McMahon, Evans, Carmichael.
Melbourne City (4-4-2): Mieres, Henry, Apostolakis, Otto, Roestbakken, Speckmaier, Hughes, McKenna, Bosch, Pollicina, Harvey.
Substitutes: McNamara, McMahon, Davidson, Stott, Barbieri.