Central Coast Secure Finals Spot with Thrilling Come-From-Behind Victory for F3 Derby Hat-Trick

In an exhilarating F3 Derby on Saturday night, Central Coast Mariners fought back to triumph over their A-League adversaries, Newcastle Jets, with a scoreline of 2-1.

The finals-bound Mariners found themselves down 1-0 following a volley from Deven Jackson in the 57th minute, but they rallied impressively in the final match of the regular season at Maitland Sports Ground.

Tianna Fuller, who came on as a substitute, levelled the score in the 78th minute, and just five minutes later, Jade Pennock sealed the comeback for Central Coast, marking their third consecutive victory over the Jets.

This win propelled Central Coast to fourth place on the ladder, though they will need to wait until Sunday to confirm their standing. Meanwhile, Newcastle finished the season close to the bottom, in second-last place, following a disappointing run of four consecutive defeats.

The Mariners, keen to secure fourth position in the finals weekend, had numerous opportunities to take the lead in a thrilling contest against their F3 Derby rivals.

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The Jets nearly found themselves on the scoresheet in the 15th minute, with Brooke Nunn hitting the crossbar and Isabel Gomez’s header being saved amidst a frantic goal-mouth scramble, followed by Peta Trimis hitting the post.

Nunn was involved again eight minutes later, forcing a magnificent save from Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Danielle Krzyzaniak.

As half-time approached, Krzyzaniak came up big once more, denying a nearly perfect dipping shot from Annabel Martin that threatened to sneak under the crossbar.

The Jets finally broke the deadlock just before the hour mark when Jackson’s volley left Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Langman helpless.

With 27 minutes left on the clock, Krzyzaniak once again stopped another attempt from Central Coast, this time thwarting Pennock before the follow-up attempt was cleared off the line.

However, the Mariners managed to find the equaliser through Fuller after a chaotic scene inside the goal area with just 12 minutes remaining.

Pennock and the Mariners were handed a golden opportunity for the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute when an intended back-pass misfired, allowing the Central Coast striker to capitalise and secure the lead for her side.