Catch up on all the highlights from the Ninja A-League showdown between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory.
The battle for the Premiership has intensified, heading into the final match of the Ninja A-League season, after Melbourne Victory secured their seventh consecutive win, defeating Central Coast Mariners 1-0 at Industree Group Stadium.
Although they struggled in the first half, it was the Victory who found the net first in the 58th minute, with defender Claudia Bunge heading in from a corner kick.
Desperate for just one point to secure a place in this year’s Finals Series, the Mariners exerted a lot of effort but ultimately fell short in the second half as they sought an equaliser.
This record-extending seventh victory in a row propels Victory to within two points of competitors Melbourne City at the top of the ladder, as City prepares to face Perth in the last match of the season while Victory welcomes Brisbane Roar.
For the Mariners, failing to secure a point at home means their pursuit of finals football continues. However, they will advance to the post-season if Brisbane Roar is unable to win this weekend.
The home side settled quickly at Industree Group Stadium, coming close to taking the lead in the 16th minute.
Pouncing on a loose ball in the Victory half, the Mariners surged forward as Annalise Rasmussen teamed up with Isabel Gomez to release the latter down the left side. Gomez found Jade Pennock in the box, but the English forward’s low shot was expertly saved by Newbon.
Frustrated by her earlier miss, Pennock unleashed a powerful shot from distance soon after, only to see it soar just over the crossbar.
Recognising that only a victory would suffice, Victory crafted their best opportunity of the first half in the 36th minute, with captain Kayla Morisson’s header forcing a smart save from Sarah Langman.
However, Langman could not keep out Bunge’s header in the 58th minute.
Positioning herself at the back post, Bunge connected with Alex Chidiac’s in-swinging delivery, powering the away side into the lead in this critical encounter.
Immediately after falling behind, the Mariners pushed forward, but once again, Pennock struggled with her aim, sending a shot high over the bar.
Now trailing behind Holly McNamara in the race for the Golden Boot, prolific striker Emily Gielnik was substituted in the 75th minute for fellow forward Holly Furphy, as Victory aimed to secure their win.
Langman was called upon again in the 84th minute, saving a well-placed low free-kick from Alana Jancevski by curling it around the wall.
Fans at home were thrilled in the 85th minute when captain Taren King returned to action for the first time in over 15 months following an ACL injury.
Excitement peaked in the 90th minute when Daniela Galic was brought down right on the edge of the box. Referee Page Malau-Aduli made the correct decision to award a free-kick instead of a penalty.
With time running out and keen to find an equaliser that would secure their spot in the finals, the Mariners couldn’t capitalise on their opportunity, as Anabel Martin drove the set piece straight into the arms of Newbon.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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