The Central Coast Mariners have come away from Ballarat with the first win in Victoria for many years. The scoreline against Western United resulted in a three goals to nil win.
The first goal to Jason Cummings at the 21 minute mark must be a contender for goal of the year. Not for the way that the goal was scored but how it was created. Marco Túlio received the ball in the Mariners own half. Aware that their was an opportunity upfield, Túlio played a superb long ball to Sam Silvera in the opposition half. Silvera advanced the ball into the opposition half knowing that Cummings and himself only had Topper-Stanley and the keeper to beat when he calmly passed the ball to Cummings who scored.
The second goal in the 35th minute was awarded after VAR checked the goal scored by Béni N'Kololo. Sam Silvera was again involved in this goal when he made a strong tackle against Western United defender Risdon. N'Kololo collected the ball as a result of Silvera's tackle and calmly slotted the ball home from outside the penalty box. The VAR looked at the tackle made by Silvera that commentators initially stated should have been a foul. However, the goal stood as being awarded after the VAR review.
The third goal was scored by Dylan Wenzel-Halls in the first minute of extra time for the second half to put the game to bed. A through ball to Moresche who laid the ball off to Wenzel-Halls who converted easily for a comfortable win.
The next game for the Mariners is against current league leaders Melbourne City at home on Saturday, 15th April. Kick-off is 5pm.
Don't forget that the Melbourne City game is pink round to support the Cancer Council. So make sure you wear pink and bring some money for donations.