Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners at CommBank Stadium
Result: Wanderers 2 – Mariners 2
Mariners Teenagers Deliver
In line with Mariners motto “Won’t back Down”, the Mariners will not give up and showed a belief beyond their years. This was proven beyond any shadow of doubt in the match against the Wanderers on Wednesday night in Parramatta. Despite being reduced to ten men minutes into the second stanza, the fighting spirit of this young team came through as they forced a draw with the Wanderers.
It took a deflection off 100 game man, Kye Rowles to give the red and black the lead in the 40th minute. Until this point the game was very evenly poised with many chances created but none were successful.
Two minutes into the second stanza Lewis Miller received his marching orders for a foul on Adama Traore. This send-off caused an almost immediate storm of posts in social media from fans watching at home.
Could the ten men resist the home side for the next 43 minutes – well yes they could and they did.
The Wanderers extended their lead at the 53rd minute mark but this did not deter the Mariners who rose to the occasion.
Ten minutes later the Yellow were awarded a penalty for hand ball in the box. Beni N’Kololo stepped up and dispatched the ball home sending the goalie the wrong way.
Was this a mere consolation goal the away supporters wondered? With seconds of added time to go, Garang Kuol weaved his way into the goal area. His precision cross was met perfectly by Dan Hall on a rare foray into the opposing danger area, triggering wild celebrations from the playing group.
To gain a draw after going down to ten men and coming back from two nil down shows how determined this young squad are.