The Central Coast Mariners held table-toppers Melbourne City to a 1-1 draw at Gosford, denying the visitors an early chance to lift the Premier’s Plate.
City’s looked on course to reach 10 points clear of Adelaide United with their latest Socceroo Jordy Bos finding the net in the 63rd minute. Bos received the ball from Frenchman Florin Berenguer and cut inside onto his right foot, curling the ball past Central Coast keeper Danny Vukovic for a brilliant goal.
Within 15 minutes, though, Mariners fan favourite Josh Nisbet responded with the perfect answer and finally gave the hosts the goal they deserved. After beating two defenders, his shot took a wicked deflection, leaving City keeper Tom Glover with no chance.
Mariners manager Nick Montgomery said his team will take a lot from Saturday evening’s clash.
 “I think we showed everybody tonight that we believe we’re a good team, and we’re confident,” Montgomery said.
“We’ll give everything we got now to try and get home final.”Â
“I thought towards the end we had some really clear-cut chances to win the game,” he continued.
“It could have been four or five goals tonight. It was two quality teams going toe-to-toe.”
The Mariners thought they were heading into half time with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a Marco Tulio top-corner strike, but it was controversially ruled out for offside.
 “Looking at the monitor, it looked like he was onside,” said Montgomery.
“But, it seems now if there’s any doubt, we rule the goals out. For me, it should always be if there’s any doubt, let the goal stand.”
With the 1-1 scoreline, both teams continued to battle it out at Gosford in front of 10,556Â fans. Bos almost snatched the plate in added time with a ferocious strike prompting a reflex stop from Vukovic.
Glover denied Moresche’s close-range header with a superb save, and Jamie Maclaren had a great chance to win it for the away side, but Vukovic was able to save it brilliantly. Both goalkeepers were kept busy throughout the game.
Despite City’s top ranking, this draw with the Mariners left Adelaide United with a chance. If the Reds win all three of their remaining games, they have an opportunity to overturn the deficit.
Melbourne City take on Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers to close their regular season and seal the premiership. The team will also be focused on avenging last year’s grand final defeat as they prepare for the finals.
Meanwhile, the Mariners hope to win next week’s F3 Derby to ensure a finals appearance at home before visiting Adelaide United.
Feature Image Credit: Central Coast Mariners
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