Mariners Begin Ninja A-League Season with a Resounding Victory Over Champions Sydney FC

Central Coast Mariners began their Ninja A-League Women’s campaign with a statement-making 3-1 win over reigning champions Sydney FC at home. The squad, under the guidance of manager Husband, delivered a cohesive performance, highlighted by Jade Pennock’s impactful debut. Pennock scored from the penalty spot just before halftime and went on to assist both Izzy Gomez and Bianca Galic in the second half, marking a memorable opener for the Mariners.

Key Line-Up Changes and Memorable Debuts

The Mariners’ starting XI featured four debutants: Jade Pennock, Brianne Riley, Jessika Nash, and Brooke Nunn. With captain Taren King absent, Annabel Martin led the side, while vice-captain Bianca Galic started on the bench following a late return from international duty. A special moment unfolded as local talent Leia Puxty made her childhood dream come true, entering late in the game for her Mariners debut.

Starting XI: Langman (GK), Riley, Irwin, Nash, Martin (C), Gomez, Pennock, Ray, Nunn, Trimis, Evans.
Key Substitutions:

• 46’ ON: Galic OFF: Evans
• 63’ ON: Rasmussen OFF: Trimis
• 90’ ON: Puxty OFF: Pennock

First Half: Mariners Take Control with Pennock’s Precision

The match began with both teams exchanging early chances. Pennock showed her intent, narrowly missing a shot from the edge of the box within the first ten minutes. Peta Trimis also had a close-range opportunity, thwarted by Sydney goalkeeper Brianna Edwards. Mariners’ goalkeeper Sarah Langman responded with a stellar diving save to deny Sydney’s Shae Connors, showcasing a solid defensive stance.

The deadlock was broken shortly before halftime when a penalty was awarded to the Mariners after Millie Farrow’s handball in the box. Pennock stepped up confidently, converting the spot-kick to give Central Coast a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

Second Half: Mariners’ Attacking Momentum Secures Victory

Sydney missed an early chance to equalize in the second half as Connors pushed a shot wide from close range. Mariners took full advantage of this reprieve, with Gomez scoring a stunner just ten minutes later. After winning the ball high, she exchanged passes with Pennock before sending a powerful shot past Edwards, doubling Central Coast’s lead.

Sydney found a glimmer of hope when substitute Princess Ibini scored from inside the box, making it 2-1. However, the Mariners quickly reasserted their dominance. Annalise Rasmussen came close with a narrow miss, and Galic soon secured the victory in the 87th minute. Following another well-executed setup from Gomez and Pennock, Galic tapped in her second goal for the Mariners, putting the final nail in the champions’ coffin.

Next Challenge: Back-to-Back Away Games in Victoria

Following their confident start, the Mariners face a challenging two-game stretch in Victoria, taking on Western United and Melbourne City. Husband’s side will then return to their home pitch for two matches at the end of November, hosting Melbourne Victory and Canberra in back-to-back fixtures.

Tags: #CentralCoastMariners #NinjaALeague #WomensSoccer #SydneyFC #JadePennock #pitchside.hq