The Central Coast Mariners take a one goal lead into the second leg of the semi-final after beating Adelaide United 2-1 in Adelaide.
The game was a tightly fought contest that did not start well for the Mariners. In the 3rd minute a cross from Craig Goodwin was deflected by Adelaide's striker Ibusuki with a penalty awarded to the home side when the ball struck Brian Kaltack's arm. Goodwin converted the penalty.
The game was equally contested with the Mariners levelling the scoreline with a fantastic goal from James McGarry. Brian Kaltack turned provider, placing a subtle pass to James McGarry. McGarry took one touch and from outside the Adelaide penalty area scored with a curling shot that dipped into the top left corner. Adelaide's goalkeeper Gauci could do nothing but watch it hit the back of the net.
This spurred the Mariners on and in the 25th minute Sam Silvera from an almost identical position as McGarry struck a beautiful shot that hit the crossbar. Score remained at 1-1.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy as the game opened up and each team had opportunities to score.
In the 38th minute the Mariners pressed with Ben N'Kololo placing a nice pass through the Adelaide defence to Jason Cummings. Jason controlled the pass and with his weaker right-foot struck a shot towards goal. The Adelaide keeper got his hand to the ball but the deflection was not enough to stop Cummings shot from going into the goal.
The Mariners went into half-time with a 2-1 lead.
Adelaide United came out from half-time a different side and dominated for much of the half. To the Mariners credit they were equal to the effort to keep Adelaide scoreless in the second half.
The game moves to Gosford for the second leg to be held at Industree Group Stadium on Saturday 20th May. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.