The Central Coast Mariners Men's team shared the points with Auckland FC in a thrilling 2-2 draw played in New Zealand.
The Mariners had the first chance of the game to Alfie McCalmont. Alfie's shot although struck hard, went straight to Auckland's goalkeeper for an easy save.
Unfortunately for the Mariners it was not long before the home side scored first, as they have done many time this season. In the 10th minute, a cross from Auckland's Randall found Guillermo May who scored from an uncontested header.
The home side had much of the possession in the first half but the Mariners started to work there way into the game. Both teams had opportunities to add to the scoreboard but did not. The best those came from Christian Theoharous in the 37th and 38th minutes. The first was brilliantly saved by the Auckland goalkeeper while the second flew just over the Auckland crossbar.
The score was 1-0 to Auckland at half-time.
The second started with the Mariners starting to take the ascendency and had more possession than Auckland.
The Mariners took advantage of this and in the 71st minute levelled the score. An attacking move started by a through ball from Theoharous and a resulting in a cross from Mauragis found Feijão, running onto the cross to header the ball into the goal. This was to be Feijão's first A-League goal. Score 1-1.
It did not take long for Auckland to regain the lead which they did in the 78th minute. From a free kick, Auckland's captain Sakai headered the ball back to a teammate in Elliot who blasted the shot into the top of the net. Score Auckland leading 2-1.
The action was not done with and in the 90th minute the Mariners equalised again. From the right side, Mariners' Faisal crossed the ball into the box. After the ball bounced around a bit, Duarte found himself in a position to header the ball that was on target. Although an Auckland defender got a touch on the ball, it still went in for Duarte's first Mariners goal.
Final score 2-2.
The Mariner's Men do not play now for two weeks due to the International Break. Their next match is on 30th March against Perth Glory at Industree Group Stadium as part of a double header with our Women's team. Kick-off for the Men is currently scheduled for 3:00pm.
