The Western Sydney Wanderers have fallen 3-2 to the Central Coast Mariners in a dramatic five-goal contest at Industree Group Stadium, with the hosts scoring an 89th-minute winner to claim all three points.
The Red & Black started with purpose and intensity, asserting control early and creating chances through sharp movement in the final third. The breakthrough arrived in the eighth minute when Angus Thurgate calmly slotted home after a clever cutback from Ryan Fraser, rewarding the Wanderers’ bright opening.
The visitors continued to press and came within inches of doubling their advantage midway through the first half. Fraser again was the architect, delivering a precise ball across the face of goal to Brandon Borrello, whose effort rattled the woodwork.
Chances continued to fall the Wanderers’ way before the break. Phillip Cancar struck the crossbar from close range following a corner in stoppage time, while Anthony Pantazopoulos saw a goal-bound effort deflected over, as the Red & Black pushed to extend their lead.
The hosts found their response ten minutes into the second half, levelling the match with a well-taken strike from Ali Auglah.
Head coach Alen Stajcic turned to his bench midway through the half, and the changes made an immediate impact. A swift counter-attack saw Fraser release Bozhidar Kraev down the left, and the Bulgarian delivered a composed ball into the area for Hiroshi Ibusuki, who finished confidently to restore the Wanderers’ lead.
However, the advantage proved short-lived. The Mariners struck back in the 77th minute through substitute Nathanael Blair, who headed home at the far post to level proceedings once more.
With the match seemingly destined for a draw, the hosts capitalised on a late rebound opportunity in the 89th minute, with James Donachie converting from close range to seal the result.
It was a night that promised much for the Wanderers, who created strong opportunities and showed attacking intent, but ultimately left empty-handed after conceding late.
The Red & Black will now turn their focus to the next challenge as they continue their run of away fixtures.
