Our CCM Ninja A-League Women remain undefeated after defeating Canberra United by a score of 2 goals to 1 on a humid afternoon in Gosford.
The match was highlighted from a Mariners perspective with some excellent goalkeeping while at the other end of the park it was the substitutes who stood up.
The game started evenly with both sides applying pressure. In the 10th minute the Mariners were awarded a penalty after Mariner's forward Jade Pennock was brought down. Pennock stepped up to take the penalty but unfortunately the Canberra goalkeeper read the spot kick perfectly with a great save.
Both teams had chances throughout the half with the deadlock broken by Canberra in the 38th minute. Canberra forward Maja Markovski scored what must be a contender for goal of the year. From the 25 metres out on the right-side of the penalty box, Markovski struck a beautiful shot that beat Mariner's goalkeeper Langman in the top left-hand corner of the goal.
Score remained at 1-0 to Canberra at half-time.
The second half continued to be an even contest in the second half with Canberra having a couple of opportunities to score around the 55th minute from point blank range. Langman did well to save both shots to keep the Mariners in the game.
Mariner's coach Emily Husband made two decisive substitutions. In the 58th minute, Shadeene Evans and Tiana Fuller replaced Brooke Nunn and Annalise Rasmussen. This match would be a highlight for 16-year old Fuller with it being her A-League debut.
It only took 4 minutes for Fuller to score her first A-League goal. After lead up play on the right, a looping cross went over the heads of Pennock and Evans with Fuller striking the ball with a half-volley, scoring to the right of the Canberra keeper.
Langman was again called upon a few minutes later to keep the Mariners in the game with an excellent save.
At the 68th minute a through ball to Pennock opened the Canberra defense. Pennock worked the ball into the penalty box, cutting the ball back with a cross towards the penalty box where it was met by Shadeene Evans. Evans' strike was clinical, beating the Canberra keeper at her near post.
Both teams continued to pressure each other with the game remaining at a scoreline of 2-1 in favour of the Mariners.
The Mariners next game in the Ninja A-League Women's competition is an away game against Brisbane on December 14th. Kick-off is currently scheduled for 6:00pm.