Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners at Wollongong Stadium (aka WIN Stadium)
Result: Wellington 2 - Mariners 1
Mariners blown away in windy Wollongong
A gale force wind on the edge of the Pacific greeted the Mariners on Saturday afternoon. With Matt Simon out injured 17 year old Damian Tsekenis came in for his debut.
The first half was an arm wrestle in the challenging conditions. The Nix have proved to be a bogey team over the seasons and so it proved again but the boys did well to go to the sheds at 0-0 at half-time.
The second half brought three goals with the first to the ‘home’ side five minutes in. It was not without controversy with the new referee waving away the Yellow’s protests.
Within minutes, Marcos Urena capitilised on a Nix defensive mistake. In a one-on-one situation with the Nix goalkeeper, Marcos calmly slotted the ball home to bring the game level.
However, Wellington were not to be denied and a long-range effort went in off the post which was enough to give the Nix the win.
A late penalty was well saved by Mariners goalkeeper Birighitti. There was no lack of attacking forays by the Mariners in an attempt to equalise again but the home goalie sailed through the assaults.
Late game injuries to Ruon Tongyik and Max Balard were a concern for Monty.
Match Summary - 2021/22 Match Day 2
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