The Western Sydney Wanderers played in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday morning, finishing 1-1 in a match that provided the squad with valuable minutes ahead of the season opener on 18 October 2025.
From the first whistle, the Wanderers took control, creating the majority of the chances and keeping the Mariners under pressure.
Early opportunities from Brandon Borrello and Alex Gersbach tested the Mariners’ defence, with Gersbach delivering a pinpoint cross in the 11th minute that narrowly missed its target.
The breakthrough came around the 30-minute mark when a penalty was awarded after Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne slipped and clipped Kosta Barbarouses.
Borrello stepped up confidently to convert, giving the Wanderers a well-earned lead.
Despite some late first-half pressure from the Mariners, including a shot deflected to safety by Bonetig, the Wanderers went into the break ahead.
The second half began with a moment of attacking brilliance as Jarrod Carluccio threaded a perfect ball to Kosta Barbarouses, who slid it to Borrello. The goal was ruled offside, but the move highlighted the squad’s creativity and understanding ahead of the season kicking off next month.
A full rotation followed, giving every player valuable minutes. Angus Thurgate made his debut appearance, joining a wave of fresh talent including Mo Al-Taay and Alou Kuol.
The Mariners capitalised on a late defensive error to equalise, but the match remained a competitive and worthwhile exercise for the squad.
While the game ended 1-1, the Wanderers’ display was encouraging.
The team showed creativity, energy, and cohesion, setting a promising tone as they build toward their season opener. With confidence high and minutes in the legs across the squad, the Red & Black look ready to hit the ground running on 18 October 2025.
