Mariners draw with Phoenix in controversial match

Football

The Central Coast Mariners were held to a one-all draw against their New Zealand football rivals Wellington Pheonix at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Friday night.

In recognition of the Mardi Gras weekend creative director of Naughty Noodle Funhaus

Glitta Supernova performed a colourful coin toss and international entertainer Benjamin Fraser McKenzie went on to hold a colourful music set at halftime.

The Mariners were the first to score in the first half, thanks to a super goal from James McGarry in the 12th minute and their dominance of the game continued unabated until halftime.

The night was full of controversy however, as the Mariners’ big defender Brian Kaltak was red-carded in the 59th minute for a tackle most commentators called fully legitimate.

Coach Montgomery was also very vocal and was sent from the field by the referee for the remainder of the game for his assertions.

The team was clearly flustered by the decision, though they kept their 10-man structure in place, and it looked like the local boys would take the three points despite the send-offs.

Then late in extra time, Wellington’s Polish forward Zawada scored a ripper backheel goal to equalise.

The local crowd was flabbergasted as they witnessed yet again their team miss out on a win and the vital league ladder points.

The Mariners risk losing their second position on the ladder when Adelaide United play Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

The Central Coast outfit will now turn their focus to next weekend’s away game against Western Sydney Wanderers before returning to Gosford on March 11 to take on MacArthur FC.