Points Split as Central Coast Rallies Back to Draw with Glory from Two Goals Down

The Central Coast Mariners mounted a comeback after a sluggish beginning, culminating in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Perth Glory at polytec Stadium.

From the outset, Perth applied significant pressure, taking an early advantage with goals from Sebastian Despotovski and Adam Taggart. However, Central Coast responded impressively, with Ali Auglah and Bailey Brandtman finding the back of the net.

Despotovski soared to connect with Jaiden Kucharski’s delicately chipped cross from the right, heading the ball in to give Perth the lead after just 14 minutes.

Only two minutes later, Glory doubled their advantage when Giovanni De Abreu set up Taggart, who expertly curled his shot beyond Mariners keeper Andrew Redmayne to make it 2-0.

Before the break, the Mariners narrowed the deficit, with Auglah perfectly positioning his free kick to elude the outstretched hand of Perth custodian Matthew Sutton and slotting it between the post.

Both teams enjoyed golden opportunities early in the second half; firstly, Sabit Ngor saw his shot deflected out for a corner, then a minute later, Kucharski hit the crossbar at the opposite end.

Brandtman levelled the score when he climbed high at the back post to head in Chris Donnell’s deep cross from the left wing.

Perth Glory came within inches of regaining the lead several times towards the end, but a combination of the crossbar and some exemplary goalkeeping from Redmayne kept them at bay.

This draw leaves the Mariners a mere three points shy of the top six with a game in hand, while Perth remains three points clear of the bottom of the table.

Central Coast faces a swift turnaround as they gear up to take on Melbourne City on Tuesday night, while Perth will be at home against Macarthur FC next Sunday.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Perth Glory goal: Despotovski 14′

Perth Glory goal: Taggart 16′

Central Coast Mariners goal: Auglah 37′

Central Coast Mariners goal: Brandtman 66′

WHAT THEY SAID