A late goal to striker Matt Simon saw the Central Coast Mariners escape with a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United in round two of the A-League at Gosford on Sunday.
Simon, who earlier in the second half missed a good chance, made no mistake when unmarked in the box in the 84th minute at Bluetongue Stadium.
The Mariners peppered Adelaide’s goal before Simon finally equalised with time almost up.
Adelaide went to the break 1-0 up after defender Iain Fyfe gave the visitors a half-time lead after being left unmarked inside the box from a Lucas Pantelis freekick.
Both teams had chances in the first half but it was the visitors who went to the break full of confidence following some terrible Mariners defence close to their own line.
The Mariners came out with much more attacking intent in the second half and had several chances to equalise before Simon finally hit the target.
Oliver Bozanic and Daniel McBreen both had two chances to hit the back of the net but could not find the cutting edge when it mattered.
Simon should have done better in the 62nd minute but did not even hit the target when clear on goal.
Shortly after Simon’s poor attempt Mariners midfielder John Hutchinson also had a chance to salvage a point for the home team but had his volley well saved by Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in the 67th minute.
Even after scoring the Mariners looked a good chance to snatch a win. Central Coast had big calls for a late penalty when the ball appeared to hit Daniel Mullen’s hand, but referee Kris Griffiths-Jones waved the appeals away and ruled play on. Replays suggested a penalty should have been awarded.
Adelaide was restricted to attacking on the break for much of the second half and rarely threatened Mariners goalkeeper Jess Vanstrattan. Adelaide finished the match a man down after defender Adam Hughes was red carded for a second bookable offence in the 86th minute.
Central Coast 1 (Matt Simon 84’)
Adelaide 1 (Iain Fyfe 45+1)
Crowd: 8447