The Western Sydney Wanderers were unable to complete a late comeback, going down 2-1 to Central Coast Mariners in their Ninja A-League clash at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors opened the scoring early, despite a positive start from the Wanderers. Sony had the first clear sight of goal in the 12th minute after racing through on goal, but a heavy touch denied her the chance to get a shot away.
Central Coast capitalised soon after, taking the lead in the 18th minute before doubling their advantage through Izzy Gomez, who finished well inside the box.
Western Sydney looked to respond, with Amy Harrison testing Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Grove from range, while Danika Matos caused problems down the right flank, flashing a dangerous ball across goal that narrowly evaded Yuan Cong.
The Wanderers went into the break trailing 2-0.
The second half saw the Red & Black lift their intensity and push forward in search of a response. Matos again provided quality service in the 62nd minute, picking out Sony in the box, but the forward was unable to connect cleanly with her left foot.
The Wanderers came agonisingly close in the 75th minute when Talia Younis delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, only for Poppie Hooks’ header to be cleared off the line by the Mariners defence.
The breakthrough finally arrived late. In the 89th minute, Younis produced a moment of brilliance, curling a stunning long-range strike over Grove to pull the Wanderers back into the contest and give the home crowd hope of a late equaliser.
Despite the late surge, time ran out for the Wanderers, who were left to reflect on a spirited second-half performance and a goal worthy of the occasion as attention now turns to the next Ninja A-League fixture.
