Western United broke their longstanding curse against Central Coast Mariners with a commanding 3-1 victory at Industree Group Stadium on February 28, 2025. This win marked Western’s first triumph over the Mariners since 2021, bringing them up to second place in the A-League standings.
The match came alive after a relatively sluggish first half, with Noah Botic opening the scoring for Western United shortly after the break. Botic’s goal, marked as his tenth of the season, showcased his progression as one of the league's top strikers. He capitalized on a slick passing move initiated by Angus Thurgate, who won the ball and seamlessly transitioned it down the field to Riku Danzaki, who provided the decisive cutback for Botic to tap home.
Following the breakthrough, Abel Walatee, the young star for United, suffered what seemed to be a significant abdomen injury early on, raising concerns among fans and players alike. Walatee had made impactful contributions, including setting up chances before the injury led to his substitution. Coach John Aloisi expressed his pleasure with the team's performance yet acknowledged the impact of losing such an influential player.
Midway through the second half, the Mariners equalized through Tomoki Imai's unfortunate own goal, allowing Lucas Mauragis’ cross to deflect off him and past goalkeeper Matthew Sutton. This moment looked to shift the dynamic of the match, as the Mariners, searching for their first win after six matches, appeared poised to capitalize on the momentum.
Nevertheless, Western United responded swiftly to regain their lead. Luke Vickery, who was introduced as a substitute, scored just three minutes after Imai’s goal, guiding home Michael Ruhs’ low cross. This goal cemented Vickery’s impact on the match, highlighting the depth of the squad as substitutes stepped up when called upon.
Adding to the excitement, Ruhs found the net himself during stoppage time, sealing the deal with the third goal for United and showcasing their offensive prowess. Coach John Aloisi noted, "We deserved the win. We had to show a different side when they equalized and we managed to dig deep to secure the points." His enthusiasm was palpable, as this victory not only earned them valuable points but also marked their first-ever win at the Mariners' home ground.
On the contrary, Central Coast Mariners’ coach Mark Jackson lamented the missed opportunities and defensive lapses. "I felt we had the momentum but the second goal we conceded was a sloppy one. We have to bebetter in those moments," Jackson reflected post-match, emphasizing the need for his side to improve after falling to tenth place on the ladder. The Mariners' failure to convert chances, especially following their equalizer, highlighted a recurring issue for the team as they continue to struggle defensively and offensively this season.
This encounter was also significant as it showcased Botic’s growing form, now aiming for potential selection for the upcoming Socceroos World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China. His goalscoring streak, now at ten goals this season, puts him at the top of the golden boot race, reinforcing his status as one of the league's standout players.
With this result, Western United kept their hopes for championship contention very much alive, proving they are serious competitors as the finals approach. Their ability to perform under pressure, especially after conceding the equalizing goal, demonstrates the resilience and tactical maturity Aloisi has instilled within the team.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures as both teams look to bounce back from this match. Western United will aim to maintain their momentum, but not without concerns over Walatee's condition. Meanwhile, the Mariners must regroup quickly to rectify their misfortunes and regain their competitive edge.
Overall, this match serves as a reminder of the intense battles within the A-League, where every point and every performance can significantly influence the season's outcome.