Thrilling Finale: 21-Year-Old Nets First A-League Goal to Secure Mariners a Draw in Auckland

On Sunday afternoon, Central Coast Mariners staged a remarkable fightback, equalising twice to secure a 2-2 draw against league leaders Auckland FC. In a dramatic finish, 21-year-old Nicholas Duarte netted his first goal in the A-Leagues during the 90th minute, earning the reigning champions a hard-fought point.

The match kicked off with Guillermo May putting Auckland ahead in the 10th minute, marking his eighth goal of the season. However, the Mariners showcased their resilience in a thrilling second half that featured three goals. Vitor Feijao scored to level the match for the Mariners before Callan Elliot restored Auckland’s lead with a strike in the 77th minute, hoping that would secure the win.

Yet, the drama didn’t end there, as Duarte emerged from the bench to level the score in the final minute of normal time. The draw extended Auckland’s streak of consecutive draws to three games, while also widening their lead at the top of the table to seven points ahead of Western United’s match against Newcastle Jets later on Sunday evening.

Having missed a golden opportunity to score earlier, Jesse Randall quickly turned into a provider, assisting Guillermo May for the opening goal in the 10th minute at Go Media Stadium.

May’s header, unmarked in the six-yard box, connected perfectly with Randall’s precise delivery from the byline, giving the Black Knights an early edge.

After thirty minutes without any further goals, Christian Theoharous attempted to draw the Mariners level. After receiving a pass from Haine Eames at the edge of the box, Theoharous aimed for the top-left corner but his shot sailed over the bar.

As the first half progressed, the Central Coast began to find their rhythm. Following an early save from Auckland keeper Alex Paulsen, who thwarted Alfie McCalmont from distance, Paulsen was again called into action to gather a risky cross from Lucas Mauragis aimed at Alou Kuol.

Moments later, Theoharous had another prime opportunity for the visitors. Positioned at the penalty spot, he received a low cross from Mikael Doka and struck on target, but Paulsen made a crucial save to keep Auckland in the lead.

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Theoharous emerged as the most potent attacking force for Central Coast in the first half. After being denied by Paulsen, the winger unleashed another powerful long-range effort that had Paulsen scrambling, but it just wouldn’t dip in time to find the net.

Auckland had a couple of chances to widen their lead late in the half, but Mariners keeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen saved a close-angle shot from May, and Logan Rogerson’s header from a corner went wide just before halftime.

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Dan Hall returned to Auckland’s starting line-up for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in December, making a vital block on Kuol early in the second half to thwart a close-range shot from his former teammate.

Just after the hour mark, a Mariners corner almost led to an equaliser when Brian Kaltak rose to head just wide of the target.

Although Theoharous’ influence waned after a busy first half, he produced a moment of brilliance to assist in leveling the game. Skipping past a defender with a deft touch, he set up Mauragis, who delivered a precise pass to Feijao in the box. The striker scored his first goal in the Isuzu UTE A-League, bringing the score to 1-1 at Go Media Stadium.

Faced with the prospect of their third consecutive draw, Auckland responded promptly, regaining their lead just seven minutes after conceding.

In line with a recurring theme this season, Auckland capitalised on a set-piece. Francis De Vries found captain Hiroki Sakai at the back post, and his header back into the danger area was met by Callan Elliot, who hit a powerful strike past Peraic-Cullen.

In the dying moments of regular time, the Mariners fought back again, snatching a point at Go Media Stadium.

Substitutes Abdul Faisal and Di Pizo played key roles in the build-up, and after a defection off Sakai, Duarte reacted quickest to the loose ball, heading it home to equalise at 2-2 and ensure both teams shared the spoils.