Heidelberg United knocks Central Coast Mariners out of Australia Cup in stunning upset
The might of Central Coast Mariners, reigning A-League and AFC Cup champions, was no match for Victorian power Heidelberg United and star forward Josh Pin.
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It’s the season of Cupsets.
Reigning A-League premier and champion Central Coast Mariners is the latest giant to fall in a historic Australia Cup.
NPL Victoria heavyweight Heidelberg United sent the Mariners crashing out with a 3-1 victory on a memorable Wednesday night at Olympic Village.
Josh Pin was the hero, scoring twice, delivering the match-winning moment in the 105th minute after the two teams were deadlocked 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Sean Ellis then sealed victory in the final minute, a tap-in after debutant Mariners keeper Adam Pavlesic was robbed by Jayden Gorman.
The Warriors join Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne in knocking out A-League opposition in a stunning Round of 32.
It’s the first time in cup history, three state clubs have defeated A-League sides in the Round of 32 in the same year and all three were Victorian.
The shock upset continues Heidelberg’s rich history in the cup.
The club has reached the quarter-finals on four occasions, including last year, and previously taken down Perth Glory in 2017.
United coach John Anastasiadis said the match showcased the quality of his players.
“To beat the champions of Asia and Australia is a major feat for the club,” Anastasiadis said.
“We just wanted to go out there and showcase the way we play and we did that, especially in the first half.
“The boys found something in the last 30 minutes and got the two goals, so it’s a great time for the club.
Sean Ellis completes the cupset 🤩
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) August 7, 2024
The @HUFCWARRIOR legend finishes off a famous night at Olympic Park. How about the fake from Aidara 🥶
🎥 @10FootballAU#HEIvCCM#AustraliaCup#MagicOfTheCuppic.twitter.com/KD7eIMT33G
“There’s a lot of boys in there that have had a taste of A-League and it was a good opportunity to showcase what they’re about and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a couple of phone calls.”
Pin gave the home team the lead just before half-time.
Asahi Yokokawa was clipped from behind by Brian Kaltack and Pin powered his spot kick past Pavlesic.
However, the lead didn’t last long into the second half, the equaliser coming in the 53rd minute.
Mariners’ Brazilian star Mikael Doka’s seemingly innocuous shot found a deflection and rolled into the back of the net.
Central Coast almost pinched the win in the dying minutes but Warriors keeper Yaren Sozer – a member of the Mariners’ 2022-23 championship-winning squad – made a critical save on Alou Kuol.
The match headed into extra-time and the Mariners again came close as Kuol hit the post in the 100th minute.
But where the A-League club, in its first pre-season match, lacked the finishing touch, Pin struck the decisive blow.
A perfect Jamal Ali pass found Pin in stride and he buried his shot from inside the area.
Central Coast desperately pushed forward, looking for an equaliser, but was inevitably caught out on the counter-attack.
Pavlesic came out to try and clean up a long ball but his attempted clearance was charged down by Gorman, who’s cross went through Mo Aidara, finding its way to Ellis, all alone on the back post.
“It’s great for Josh to get back on the scoresheet, he’s been trying and missing,” Anastasiadis said of Pin.
“Today it came good for him and hopefully he continues.
“He was in form but then got injured and got a red card so he missed five or six weeks and lost his scoring rhythm but thank God today he found it again.
“Jayden is from Perth Glory, he’s got a lot to offer.
“The fact he pressed the goalkeeper for the third goal, that’s his goal, and for him to do that in the 120th minute is phenomenal.”
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It sparked wild scenes at Olympic Village as the faithful celebrated a stunning win.
All five Victorian qualifiers claimed victory in the Round of 32 but in a disappointing draw, four have been drawn against each other in the Round of 16.
Oakleigh Cannons will host Heidelberg United, while Hume City gets FC Melbourne.
South Melbourne has been drawn against Queensland club Olympic FC.
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