Central Coast Mariners defeated Adelaide United in exquisite style for a place in the 2023 A-League Men’s grand final, beating the Reds 2-0 on Saturday night.
Last week, the Coasties held a one-goal lead over the Reds at Coopers Stadium, and it was expected that the away team would come out guns blazing for revenge. However, in a crowded stadium of 20,059 Yellow Army fans, the Mariners triumphed as they dominated the game at Gosford.
Samuel Silvera and Marco Tulio opened the scoring in the second half for Nick Montgomery’s men.
The Mariners are the youngest team in the competition and have been dubbed underdogs from the beginning of the season. But Montgomery’s men have shown once again why their side should never be written off as they try to finish the ALM decider against Melbourne City at CommBank Stadium.
“In two weeks, there will be a bit of a David versus Goliath battle, but we’re looking forward to it,” Mariners coach Montgomery said.
“We can’t wait to walk out, and whatever happens that night, we’ll give it a good crack.
“We know we can beat anybody, so we’ll go in full confidence and go in and try to win the game against a very good Melbourne City team.
“I think nobody can think any different than we deserved to get to the grand final.”
The Mariners recorded their fourth wooden spoon in five seasons in 2019-20, the same season City began their run of four straight grand final appearances.
In spite of that, Mariners’ head coach continues to look forward rather than dwell on the past.
“Even going into tonight, people still doubted us,” said Montgomery.
“I find it actually a little bit strange – but that’s football.”
Fans of the Mariners have been waiting a decade for their team to reach the grand final again. Finally, for the first time since 2013, they may see their team lift a trophy on June 3.
“For everybody tonight, for the fans and the community, I told the boys before the game that they’ve not only galvanised a club but a community and a region,” Montgomery said.
Despite being the youngest team and having the lowest budget in the competition, the Mariners have the opportunity to rewrite their story and take control of the rest of the season.
Feature Image Credit: Central Coast MarinersÂ
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