A long range "worldie" for Tiana Fuller was enough for the Central Coast Mariners Women's team to take all three points in yesterday's clash with Wellington Phoenix.
In windy conditions, the Mariners played host to Wellington Phoenix who were sitting two points above the Mariners leading into the game.
The game started well for the Mariners and it was only the 9th minute when Fuller had her first chance to score. After great lead up work by Jade Pennock, Fuller had a shot at goal that ricochetted off a Wellington defender. Fuller was sharp enough to get possession again whose shot at goal just went wide of the right-hand goal post.
Seven minutes later, Fuller had another chance when a through ball from the defense almost found its way towards Annalise Rasmussen. A Phoenix defender seemed to intercept the through ball, only to put the ball through in front of an advancing Tiana Fuller. With only the goakeeper to beat, Fuller took her opportunity to shoot but the Wellington goalkeeper did well to make the save.
The second half found both teams with opportunities with the Mariners seeming to have lots of possession in the Phoenix half.
Score was 0-0 at half-time.
With no substitutions made for the second half, the game continued on as the first had finished.
It only took 9 minutes into the second half, for the Mariners to score. At the end of a surging run by Brooke Nunn from within the Mariners half, Nunn passed the ball to Fuller. Fuller took one touch and then let fly with her left-foot from at least 20 metres out from goal. The ball looped over the Phoenix defense and goalkeeper, striking the inside of the left-hand post and going in.
This seemed to bring Phoenix to life. Mariners goalkeeper Langman made two crucial saves when the Mariners defense were under pressure from a number of Phoenix corners.
The Mariners also had some opportunities in the second half but were not able to convert them into goals.
The Mariners Women next play on 1st February as part of a double header against Newcastle Jets. Kick-off for the Women is currently scheduled for 4:50pm.