Four Goals, a Stunning Strike, and a Star Player’s Brace: A-League Semi-Final Thrills Leave Match Evenly Balanced

In a thrilling encounter, Central Coast Mariners and the unbeaten champions Melbourne City ended in a 2-2 stalemate during the first leg of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League Semi-Final.

Brooke Nunn shone for the Mariners with a brace, while Leticia McKenna netted a spectacular goal that will be remembered, as Central Coast drew against the high-flying City on Saturday at Industree Group Stadium.

Nunn opened the scoring for the Mariners in the 20th minute. However, City quickly turned the tables by netting two goals before the half-time whistle – McKenna’s stunning free-kick brought the score level, followed by Bryleeh Henry putting the visitors ahead in the 35th minute.

The in-form Nunn equalised just nine minutes into the second half, resulting in the third draw this season between these two teams and leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Melbourne on May 10 for a place in the Grand Final.

The two-time defending champions City returned to the pitch after a week off but were without star player Lourdes Bosch, who stayed behind due to soreness and will be assessed before the second leg, while Golden Boot winner Holly McNamara started on the bench due to a minor injury picked up during training.

The Mariners, having triumphed over Canberra United in the Elimination Finals, took an early lead in picturesque conditions in front of their supporters in Gosford.

The attack began with Annalise Rasmussen, whose clever nutmeg of City captain Rebekah Stott at the halfway line was followed by a drive into the box. Jade Pennock’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Malena Mieres, but Nunn was right there to convert the rebound in the 20th minute.

It marked the ninth occasion this season that City had found themselves trailing. On the previous eight instances, they had managed to bounce back to avoid defeat in the current campaign.

Just nine minutes later, they showcased their resilience, courtesy of McKenna’s magic.

McKenna wowed the crowd with an astonishing free-kick that soared into the top corner of the net.

City then pulled ahead with ten minutes left in the first half when Henry cleverly evaded the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball home with ease.

Pennock set up Nunn with a precise pass, allowing her English teammate to sidestep Mieres before expertly curling the ball into the back of the net.