The Central Coast Mariners ended their five-game winless streak with a crucial 2-0 victory over the Wellington Phoenix, enhancing their aspirations for finals football in the Ninja A-League.
Played on March 22, 2025, at Porirua Park, the match showcased how the Mariners could turn their fortunes around at a pivotal moment in the season. Despite Wellington's dominance in possession during the first half, it was the Mariners who struck first, thanks to a penalty converted by Annalise Rasmussen on the cusp of halftime.
The decisive moment came as Rasmussen was fouled inside the box after a flurry of activity near the goal. With confidence, she slotted the ball beyond Phoenix keeper Carolina Vilão to secure a 1-0 lead going into the break. This moment would prove to be a turning point, as Rasmussen’s goal left the home side reeling.
Less than ten minutes into the second half, the Mariners doubled their lead when Isabel Gomez, formerly of Wellington, scored with a remarkable half-volley in the 52nd minute. Gomez's ability to find space and link up effectively from a Taylor Ray assist exemplified the Mariners' tactical success against a Phoenix side that was unable to convert its commanding ball control into legitimate threats on goal.
While Wellington had a staggering 36 touches in the Mariners' penalty area compared to just 13 touches from the visitors, they struggled to find quality chances to test Mariners' goalkeeper Sarah Langman. The latter not only marked her 100th appearance in the league but also delivered a stellar performance, featuring crucial saves, especially a breathtaking diving stop to deny Manaia Elliott's powerful effort during stoppage time.
Even as they pressed for a comeback, the Phoenix ran out of ideas against a well-organized Mariners defense. Head coach Paul Temple expressed disappointment after the match, citing a lack of quality in the final third as a critical issue in their performance. “We didn’t create the amount of chances that we needed to win a game like this against a good team,” he stated. The bench reacted by making three strategic changes since their last-gasp defeat against Sydney FC. Bringing in Mackenzie Barry, Grace Jale, and Zoe McMeeken, Temple aimed to reinforce his lineup but without ultimately changing the game’s trajectory.
Although the Phoenix started brightly, creating some threatening moments early in the match, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Their most notable chance came in the 19th minute when Manaia Elliott attempted an 'Olimpico' goal from a right-wing corner, only to be denied by a desperate save from Langman.
Reflecting on the match, Temple remarked, “The penalty definitely took the wind out of our sails,” acknowledging that despite periods of positive play, the team did not execute at critical moments. The stark contrast in efficiency was highlighted by the Mariners' two goals, which came from just a handful of chances—their first leading to a penalty and the second coming from a well-placed volley.
The home side remained steadfast in their approach, maintaining hope of salvaging something from the game, but they became increasingly frustrated as the Mariners countered effectively. Just before halftime, the Mariners came close to extending their lead again with Rasmussen hitting the crossbar before the penalty was awarded. However, it was the second half that saw the visitors seize control completely, putting them in a strong position.
As the match progressed, the home side pushed forward, desperately trying to create opportunities, but their attempts were met with resilience from the Mariners' backline. Despite attempting to conduct a late-game surge, the Wellington side was thwarted repeatedly. In total contrast, the Mariners left with a morale-boosting victory, propelling them into fifth place in the standings and four points clear of seventh-placed Canberra United.
Looking ahead, Wellington now finds themselves in a precarious position, sitting eighth in the league and needing to win their remaining three fixtures to have any chance of qualifying for the finals for the first time in franchise history. Temple emphasized, “We’ll keep going until it’s mathematically impossible.” As the Phoenix prepare for a challenging match against league leaders Melbourne City next, every point is crucial.
On the other hand, for the Central Coast Mariners, this victory is a sigh of relief and a reminder of their capabilities, particularly with standout performances from their key players like Rasmussen and Gomez. Their form leading into the last stretches of the season could be crucial for their finals aspirations.
As the league action continues, both teams will indeed be identifying what lies ahead—Wellington’s potential resurgence or the Mariners’ push for a place in the finals. March 22, 2025, will mark a critical date in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Ninja A-League season.
