Central Coast Mariners fans celebrating their lead at half-time. Photo: Kevin Airs
The Central Coast Mariners finally put the heartache of losing three grand finals to bed on Sunday as they ended the fairy tale run of Western Sydney Wanderers with a 2-0 win in Sydney. The match was witnessed by a capacity crowd amid unprecedented scenes of colour and fanfare at Allianz Stadium.
The Wanderers were off to a positive start putting the Mariners on the back foot as they pushed their way into attack from the opening minutes. But the first gilt-edged chance fell to Mariners striker Mile Sterjovski with his effort grazing the top of the bar and going out for a goal kick.
Western Sydney were off the pace for most of the first half. The absence of their zippy Dutchman Youssouf Hersi saw a lack of spring in their step. The below par display was further highlighted through uncharacteristic performances from German Jerome Polenz and Croatian imports Dino Kressinger and Matteo Poljak.
Just when it looked as though the Wanderers would get away unscathed in the first half, Mariners defender Patrick Zwaanswijk rose above their defence to bury his header into the back of the net two minutes before half time to make it 1-0 to Central Coast. The Wanderers’ cause wasn’t helped a minute later as a handball by the Mariners in their own box saw a penalty claim waved away.
The famous RBB have set the benchmark in Australian sport. Photo: ryan2point0
Western Sydney began the second half with a more disciplined display. The relentless support from their beloved fans (the RBB) was being justified as they slowly built momentum.
But the football Gods had other ideas in the 68th minute as the referee awarded Central Coast a penalty for a similar handball incident to the one their opponents had claimed in the first half. The spot kick was well dispatched by their top scorer Daniel McBreen giving his team a 2-0 lead and a firm grip on the grand final trophy.
Western Sydney continued to toil but when the referee waved away another claim for a foul in the box, the Mariners fans felt that it was finally going to be their day. Full time saw a relieved set of supporters and players heal from memories of the past and deliver their region the joy they had been craving.
This did not dampen the spirits of the Wanderers supporters who remained vocal right up to the very end. The RBB in particular remained and continued to sing for their team well after the final whistle in what were extraordinary scenes of support. The Mariners won the battle but it looks like the Wanderers are going to win the war.
Western Sydney Wanderers 0
Central Coast Mariners 2 (Patrick Zwaanswijk 43′, Daniel McBreen 68′)
Man of the match: Daniel McBreen
Crowd: 42,102
