The Central Coast Mariners require just one more point from their last two matches to secure a place in the finals after clinching a 2-1 victory over Brisbane Roar in a crucial encounter at Industree Group Stadium.
Although the Roar entered the match with a dismal streak of four consecutive losses, they shocked their opponents by scoring just 21 seconds in. Midfielder Laini Freier capitalised on a defensive error to net the opening goal, giving Brisbane an electrifying start.
However, the Mariners quickly regrouped and equalised in the 22nd minute, with the outstanding Isabel Gomez showcasing her skill and precision in midfield.
Despite numerous efforts on goal, Brisbane failed to trouble the Mariners’ defence significantly and ultimately paid the price. Annalise Rasmussen found the net in the 71st minute, marking her sixth goal of the season following a catastrophic defensive miscommunication from the visitors.
This result brings the Mariners within a point of fourth-placed Western United in the league standings, but more importantly, they now only need a single point from their remaining two fixtures to secure a finals berth.
Furthermore, should Brisbane fail to earn points in their final two matches, the Mariners will also guarantee their place in the finals.
As for Brisbane, the alarming dip in form under Alex Smith may have effectively cost them a finals opportunity. They have slipped out of the top six with two matches left, trailing sixth-placed Canberra United by two points after suffering five straight defeats.
Exploiting a series of defensive mistakes from the Mariners, Matildas forward Freier managed to bundle the ball home from close range, giving her team a dream start in search of their first victory in nearly two months.
Their lead was short-lived, however, as the Mariners struck back in the 22nd minute, energised by the exceptional Gomez.
After winning the ball in midfield, Gomez sprinted past the retreating Brisbane defenders and slotted effortlessly past the advancing Keeley Richards to level the score at 1-1, netting her fifth goal in just ten matches.
The home side came tantalisingly close to taking the lead in the 32nd minute when Peta Trimis cut inside onto her left foot, but her effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar, a fortunate reprieve for the visitors.
Trimis was soon involved again, supplying a ball into the box that found Jade Pennock. However, the English forward couldn’t get her feet right in time, leading to a miss wide of the far post.
Though Brisbane registered 16 shots on goal, they struggled to challenge Mariners keeper Sarah Langman seriously. Deborah-Anne De la Harpe epitomised their shooting woes with a wayward effort that went high in the 63rd minute.
While they maintained less possession, the Mariners posed a constant threat on the counter. They eventually capitalised on a defensive blunder, with Rasmussen scoring the decisive goal.
Dropping deep initially to win a flick-on, Rasmussen then raced forward to support her teammates in attack. When a poor defensive mix-up gifted the Mariners a four-on-two advantage, they made Brisbane pay as Rasmussen calmly converted Trimis’ cross to establish a 2-1 lead.
In a desperate bid for an equaliser, Brisbane had a golden opportunity to level but substitute Tanaye Morris was brilliantly thwarted by Langman during a one-on-one encounter.
Unfortunately for the visitors, their troubling run continued at Industree Group Stadium, resulting in a drop from the top six with only two matches remaining in the regular season, thereby confirming Western United’s place in the finals.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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