Central Coast v Canberra United – Shark Highlights | Ninja A-League 2024-25 | Elimination Final
The Central Coast Mariners have advanced to the Ninja A-League Semi-Finals after star forward Jade Pennock netted a brace, leading her side to a 2-1 comeback victory over Canberra United during Monday night’s Elimination Final at Industree Group Stadium.
Canberra took the lead into half-time with a goal from Ninja A-League legend Michelle Heyman, who found the back of the net in the 43rd minute. However, less than a minute into the second half, the Mariners equalised through Pennock, striking back at the ideal moment.
After levelling the score, Pennock cemented her status as the hero midway through the second half with a tremendous long-range effort that rocketed into the top-right corner, propelling the Mariners from behind to triumph over Canberra, eliminating them from the Finals Series.
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This 2-1 victory for the Mariners marked their return to the Semi-Finals for a second consecutive season, where they will now face Premiers Melbourne City in a bid for a Grand Final berth over two legs.
Adelaide United will encounter Melbourne Victory in the other Semi-Final, with the winners of both matches set to clash in the Grand Final scheduled for the weekend of May 16-18.
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Mariners’ centre-back Jessika Nash, who scored her maiden Ninja A-League goal in March, aimed to double her tally just 11 minutes into Monday’s Elimination Final with a lofty shot that forced Canberra’s keeper Sally James to scramble desperately to keep it out.
James managed to tip the ball over the bar, denying Nash and the Mariners a goal.
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The first half saw few chances until a sudden burst of activity from Canberra, as the ever-threatening Michelle Heyman emerged as a danger in Gosford.
Receiving a clever through ball from Sofia Christopherson, Heyman charged toward Mariners keeper Sarah Langman. In a one-on-one scenario, she aimed for the bottom-right corner with her weaker left foot, but Langman made a smart save to deny her.
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Shortly after, Canberra were back on the offensive through Aideen Keane, who showcased her pace and strength as she broke into the box. Creating space to her left, Keane steadied herself before shooting, but Langman’s fingertips deflected her attempt just wide of the top-left corner.
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As the first half approached its conclusion, Heyman displayed brilliant individual skill to fire Canberra ahead in Gosford.
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Central Coast needed a rapid response after the break, and head coach Emily Husband could not have asked for a better start to the second half.
Less than a minute after the restart, teenager Tiana Fuller delivered a dangerous cross from the left wing. Annabel Martin’s committed header set up Jade Pennock, who unleashed a powerful shot to pull the Mariners level.
The Mariners’ explosive start to the second half was followed by a tense 30 minutes of play, as the knockout stakes led both sides to adopt a more cautious approach.
However, despite their solid defence, Canberra could do nothing to stop the moment that put the Mariners in front.
Already on the scoresheet, Pennock added a second with a spectacular long-range strike; Canberra’s keeper James had no chance as the ball soared into the top-right corner.
Ultimately, it was Pennock’s 74th-minute wonder strike that secured the Mariners’ spot in the Semi-Finals, where they will face Premiers Melbourne City over two legs in pursuit of a title shot.
Post-match, Pennock reflected on her brilliant match-winning goal, stating that a focus on improving her finishing after a lacklustre performance against Newcastle Jets in Round 23 had boosted her confidence in front of goal against Canberra.
“I was disappointed with my last game,” Pennock shared with Network 10. “I missed a few opportunities that I felt I should’ve converted. So, I worked hard in training all week, which paid off in the end.”
“We felt we dominated much of the half, so to go in behind was frustrating. We wanted to come out fighting, and we did. Scoring early boosted our composure, allowing us to take the game to them.”
With the Semi-Final first leg approaching, the Mariners will be keen to assess the extent of the damage to versatile midfielder Taylor Ray, who was substituted late in the match against Canberra due to a left ankle injury.
Ray fell awkwardly while attempting to clear the ball and was helped off the field in tears, later seen with her left ankle heavily iced.
As Ray focuses on her recovery, Canberra’s season has come to an end.
Head coach Antoni Jagarinec led the club back to the Finals Series in his first season at the helm. Despite a memorable campaign for captain Michelle Heyman, who made history as the first player to reach 200 league appearances in the Ninja A-League in April, the journey concluded in disappointment in Gosford on Monday night.
“It’s painful,” Heyman admitted to Network 10. “It hurts deep down. I noticed during that play leading to the Mariners’ equaliser that I perhaps should’ve done more to prevent it. I could see the situation unfolding, and that makes it even harder.”
“But that’s football. Well done to them for coming out strong. We expected that but hoped it wouldn’t happen so quickly.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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