The Western Sydney Wanderers 10 match unbeaten run in the FNSW League One competition has come to an end, after the Central Coast Mariners came away with a 2-0 win at a rainswept Wanderers Football Park.
In an entertaining match with a plethora of chances for both sides, goals to Josh Hong and Harry McCarthy ensured the away side took all three points.
The Wanderers almost got off to the perfect start, as Zac Sapsford was denied two minutes in by a wonderful double save from Mariners keeper Lawrence Caruso.
Instead, it would be the Mariners taking the lead in the 13th minute as a Hong header from a free-kick looped over Jack Gibson and into the net.
Emboldened by the goal, the away side put the Wanderers under pressure, but the defence held firm, and soon they began creating chances once again.
Aidan Simmons went close as his curled effort from distance floated just wide of the goal, and a dangerous cross from Connor Rose was narrowly missed by Sapsford and Aidan Mostofi.
Just after half-time, George Antonis had a great chance to level the scores, but his effort from 12 yards went agonisingly wide.
And the Wanderers would be punished for their profligacy in the 55th minute, as the Mariners broke on the counter, ending with McCarthy’s deft chip beating Gibson in the Wanderers goal.
Alessandro Lopane was introduced off the bench to turn the tide, and he helped liven up the Wanderers attack.
Sapsford was once again foiled by a sharp Caruso stop, before Aidan Simmons had the best chance of the match, with his fierce shot striking the crossbar.
A Lopane shot from the edge of the area was once again well saved by Caruso, and the Wanderers ultimately ran out of time and were kept scoreless for the first time this season.
The Wanderers look to bounce back next week as they travel to face the Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
