Brandon Borrello stars for Western Sydney in memorable battle with Central Coast Mariners

A forgotten Socceroo was superb for Western Sydney in Gosford, but it wasn’t enough to secure the Wanderers a win.

The Wanderers and the Mariners drew 2-2 in Gosford. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

Brandon Borrello reminded national coach Graham Arnold of his Socceroos credentials with a superb display for Western Sydney in the Wanderers’ 2-2 draw with the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday night

Arnold, whose new Socceroos coaching contract will soon be announced, was among the spectators at Industree Group Stadium, and he would not have be disappointed with what he saw in the four-goal thriller.

Borrello, who missed a spot in Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad despite having been involved in the early stages of the Socceroos’ qualifying campaign, was particularly impressive.

He had a hand in the Wanderers first goal, a majestic back-heel from Yeni Ngbakoto, that drew Western Sydney level in the 35th minute after Samuel Silvera had given the hosts the lead on the half-hour mark.

The former Brisbane Roar attacker, who returned to the A-League this season after five years in Germany, then put the Wanderers 2-1 ahead in the 60th minute with composed finish after creating space and time for himself just inside the Mariners’ penalty area.

However, Borrello’s superb all-round display wasn’t enough to secure Western Sydney an away win, with another Socceroo, Jason Cummings, coming off the bench to equalise in the 73rd minute after getting his chest to a shot from teammate Nectarios Triantis.

Mariners coach Nick Montgomery described Borrello’s performance as “outstanding”.

It all ends even.#WSW#CCMvWSWpic.twitter.com/j49w7v8WL0

— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) January 28, 2023

The Mariners could have won the game in stoppage-time but the woodwork came to the Wanderers’ rescue when a free-kick from substitute Christian Theoharous hit the crossbar.

Central Coast also blew a great chance in the 16th minute, when Brazilian attacker Marco Tulio seemed certain to score after running on to an inch-perfect through ball from Josh Nisbet.

However, with only Wanderers goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas to beat, Tulio pushed his shot wide of the post.

The draw kept the Mariners in second spot on the ladder, four points adrift of leaders Melbourne City, who play on Sunday against Adelaide United.

The Wanderers, who have only tasted victory once in their past eight matches, remain two points behind the Mariners

Watching from the stands was ex-Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who has joined the Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season from French top-flight club Nice.

The former France international arrived in Australia on Friday morning, and said he would be ready to play in the Wanderers’ next match, a home game against Western United next Sunday.

“It’s the manager’s decision, but I’m ready to play next weekend,” Schneiderlin told Network 10 in indicating it would be up to Wanderers coach Marko Rudan as to when he would make his Western Sydney debut.

“I’m here to win, and the team wants to win.

“I was very convinced by the speech of (Rudan).”

Originally published as Brandon Borrello stars for Western Sydney in memorable battle with Central Coast Mariners