Mariners pinch late win

A stoppage-time goal from veteran defender Patrick Zwaanswijk fired the Central Coast Mariners to a thrilling 3-2 victory against North Queensland at Gosford on Saturday night.

After an amazing second half, Zwaanswijk was right on the spot to head home a brilliant cross by Michael McGlinchey two minutes into second-half injury time at Bluetongue Stadium.

Victory sees the Mariners move to second place and was the team’s third win from four starts at home this season.

Defender Simon Storey gave the visitors a half-time lead with a goal in the 12th minute before the Mariners came to life in the second stanza.

Matt Simon scored his second goal of the season in the 47th minute and ten minutes later star signing Patricio Perez slotted home from the penalty spot after Daniel McBreen was fouled.

The Mariners should have scored more but failed to put Fury away. They looked certain to pay a price for their poor finishing when Fury equalised in the 78th minute. Defender Mark Hughes celebrated, but replays suggested the equalising goal came off a Mariners defender after a pinpoint cross.

Chances fell at both ends in a frantic final 10 minutes before Zwaanswijk sealed the points with his first goal for the Mariners.

Fury finished the match a man down after Dyron Daal was red carded for a second bookable offence in the 79th minute.