Mariners upset GCU
Central Coast Mariners secured perhaps the most surprising result of the Hyundai A-League season to date with a 3-0 demolition of leaders Gold Coast United at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night.
The Mariners moved into second place on the Hyundai A-League ladder, at least temporarily, with a deserved win courtesy of goals from Nicky Travis, Matt Simon and John Hutchinson.
On 25 minute, Dylan Macallister won a header with imon picking up the ball and feeding Travis who strode through the heart of the United defence to finish well.
The Mariners went two goals to the good inside 53 minutes. Simon fended off several defenders to unleash a powerful long-range drive on the run from outside the penalty area. The goal proved an unhappy homecoming for Central Coast local Jess Vanstratten on his Hyundai A-League debut with the ball dipping under his hands as he reached down to save a ball hit directly at him.
Any hope of a Gold Coast comeback was ruined with the dismissal of Shane Smeltz for a second caution on 68 minutes thus ending the Kiwi striker's dream start to the campaign that had netted nine goals in six matches prior to the match.
Two minutes later John Hutchinson capped a solid showing in the centre of the park with a fine goal, bursting into the box after being fed by Michael McGlinchey.
In the Youth League match, Gold Coast United was denied a perfect start to the season as the Central Coast Mariners grabbed an injury-time equaliser for the second week in succession.
The visitors again looked set to claim all three points after their 2-1 win in Perth last week only to see Panni Nikas coolly slot home a penalty two minutes into injury time.