A-League, Round 1 results, news: VAR the star as Mariners, Victory, share spoils in A-League return

The A-League season kicked off in unprecedented fashion when the Video Assistant Referee made several crucial - and correct - interventions in the campaign-opening clash between Central Coast and Melbourne Victory.

The A-League season kicked off in unprecedented fashion at Industree Group Stadium on Friday night when the Video Assistant Referee got one right. And then a second.

True story. Believe it or not.

With Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory still searching for the first goal of their grand final rematch, referee Alireza Faghani issued a straight red card to Victory defender Jason Geria for a clumsy challenge on Alou Kol in the 28th minute.

But as Geria lay on the ground in obvious pain and Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo protested to match officials, the VAR reviewed the decision.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Referee Alireza Faghani issues a red card that was downgraded to a yellow for Jason Geria of Melbourne Victory following the video review during the round one A-League Men match between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory at Industree Group Stadium, on October 18, 2024, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

“I honestly think that is a harsh call on Jason Geria … I’d be disappointed if this isn’t overturned,” commentator Andy Harper declared.

“I don’t think he’s done anything particularly wrong.”

Fortunately for Geria, a Socceroos defender, the VAR agreed with Harper and overruled Faghani, downgrading the red card to a yellow, allowing Geria to continue playing.

The VAR was required again in the 60th minute when Victory skipper Roderick Miranda received a yellow card for a high boot that struck Brazilian import Mikael Doka in the head, drawing blood.

“He’s going to get his marching orders here … it’s just dangerous,” Harper said.

Sure enough, the VAR overruled the booking and Miranda was sent off for the second time in three games against the Mariners.

Victory, who had been on top until Miranda’s dismissal, then defended resolutely with 10 men to hold the two-time champions to a 0-0 draw, to head home with a hard-earned point.

ROOKIE PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Mariners coach Mark Jackson handed 18-year-old goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen his A-League debut.

Replacing retired skipper Danny Vukovic between the sticks, the Young Socceroos representative produced a crucial reflex save in the 29th minute to avert an on-target shot from midfielder Jordi Valadon.

Mariners coach Mark Jackson handed Dylan Peraic-Cullen his A-League debut. Picture: Getty Images

Peraic-Cullen then faced a daunting first-up assignment when Mariners defender Bradley Tapp conceded a penalty in the dying seconds of the first half for a crude challenge on veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli.

Fornaroli appeared at short odds to score the 108th goal of his A-League career, but he slammed his shot into the right-hand post, prompting wild celebrations from the rookie gloveman.

Three minutes into the second half, Peraic-Cullen made another quality save after a shot from newly capped Socceroo Nishan Velupillay.

A clean sheet was no less than he deserved.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

The Mariners somehow won the championship last season, despite losing their first four games. So they are unlikely to be worried by another tardy start.

But up until Victory had their captain sent off and were reduced to 10 men, they clearly had the better of the game, especially during the first half, when they had 60 per cent of the ball and produced seven strikes to two.

Victory’s Zinedine Machach competes for the ball with Central Coast’s Alfie McCalmont. Picture: Getty Images

“Very, very dominant start by Melbourne Victory … a very impressive start to the season,” Harper observed.

The home team’s starting line-up included seven of last season’s grand final-winning XI.

Overseas imports Vitor Feljao (Brazil) and Alfie McCalmont (England) had little impact for the Mariners.

LEAP OF FAITH

Fornaroli delivered one of the goals of the season at Gosford last season, and he attempted another “speccy” to open the season.

Unfortunately the veteran’s legs and reflexes aren’t what they once were, and his ambitious overhead kick came up with nothing more than an air swing.

YOUNG TALENT TIME

As well as Peraic-Cullen, the Mariners blooded another young tyro in 16-year-old midfielder Haine Eames, who became the club’s youngest player when he came off the bench late in the second half. Eames earned his start after scoring a screamer against Wellington Phoenix in a pre-season friendly.

Originally published as A-League, Round 1 results, news: VAR the star as Mariners, Victory, share spoils in A-League return