‘We’ve just managed find ways to win games’: Mariners’ shot at a fairytale treble alive after Sydney FC crumbles

Newly crowned premiers and AFC Cup Champions, the Central Coast Mariners have one foot inside the A-League Men grand final after Sydney FC’s capitulation in the semi final.

Treble still alive. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Central Coast Mariners are showing no signs of slowing down as they push for an unprecedented treble of titles.

Landing back in Australia on Tuesday after claiming the AFC Cup in the early hours of Monday morning, the Mariners still looked like a team well rested when they beat Sydney FC 2-1 in the first semi-final leg at Allianz Stadium on Friday.

Despite all the pressure of potentially the greatest season of any team in A-League Men’s history on their shoulders, skipper Danny Vukovic said they’re not feeling it.

“I think there’s not really much pressure because I think it’s been a successful season already,” Vukovic said after Friday’s win.

“We’ve already won two trophies, I feel like there’s more pressure on other teams that haven’t won anything.”

The club has now played over 40 games this season across the A-League and AFC Cup in Asia and Vukovic admitted it has taken its toll.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any concerns this season with playing in Asia,” he said.

“I know I’ve done it before and it’s not easy, but somehow we’ve just managed to turn up and compete and find ways to win games.”

The side now have the added pressure of potentially hosting this year’s A-League Men’s decider after it was confirmed this week Central Coast Stadium would be the venue if the Mariners make it past Sydney.

It would be the first time Gosford hosted the grand final despite the Mariners having the right to host in the past, with their 2008 decider against the Newcastle Jets moved to Sydney Football Stadium instead.

“There’s a lot to play for,” Vukovic said.

“That’s huge incentive for the club and the players, we’re expecting a massive crowd.”

The team first need to get past Sydney in their home leg on Saturday which is expected to attract tonnes of coasties and Cove alike.

“This game last season was a sellout against Adelaide and it should be the same especially with Sydney FC,” Vukovic said.

“They’re gonna have their travelling support as well to help build that crowd so it should be a massive night.”

Vukovic is expecting a bumper crowd for the Grand Final, if they get there again. Picture: Izhar Khan/Getty Images

Mariners’ fairytale treble hunt alive after Sydney FC crumbles in semi final

Newly crowned premiers and AFC Cup Champions, the Central Coast Mariners have one foot inside the A-League Men grand final.

Sydney FC were the only team to beat the Mariners since round four and were considered their bogey team, touted as the favourites to take down the reigning champions ahead of the decider.

Two red cards for Sydney FC to Jack Rodwell and Corey Hollman, the latter being a second yellow, put the home team down to nine for the remaining few minutes.

Although it was only the first of two legs and the margin wasn’t a big one, the Mariners looked to be clearly the stronger team.

Mariners star Joshua Nisbet gets the ball past Sydney FC goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne to score a goal during the A-League Men Semi Final. Picture: Getty Images

Mariners coach Mark Jackson said despite the win, he’s not looking too far ahead.

“We’re not there, we’re far from it,” Jackson said post match.

“You know, people say it’s one game but Sydney are a formidable team and they’re a dangerous team.

“And you know what people say, beware of the wounded animal, and we’ve got to be prepared for what they’re going to bring.”

Joel King’s strike deflected off multiple Mariners defenders, sneaking past Vukovic and handing the Sky Blues the lead.

Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres is challenged by Central Coast’s Bradley Tapp. Picture: Getty Images

The half was set to end with Sydney in front but Josh Nisbet did what he does best, putting himself in the middle of the action to capitalise on a deflected shot and levelling the scores at the break.

Christian Theoharis gifted the Mariners a penalty after a bad tackle from Anthony Caceres in the box, which was expertly converted by Mariners Medallist Mikael Doka.

Down by a goal and struggling to break through the Mariners’ defence, Sydney were clearly frustrated and it showed in how they played.

Rodwell was the clear example, with his studs-up tackle on Theoharis worthy of a red card after VAR intervention.

Sydney FC’s Jack Rodwell receives a red card. Picture: Getty Images

Young Jake Hollman let his frustrations get the better of him late on with his foul on Ronald Barcellos earning him his second yellow card and his marching orders.

Sydney coach Ufuk Talay said he doesn’t believe frustration was behind the second half send-offs.

Sydney FC will now be without Rodwell, Hollman and Joe Lolley for the second leg in Gosford, with Lolley picking up a season-ending injury in last week’s win over Macarthur.

Originally published as ‘We’ve just managed find ways to win games’: Mariners’ shot at a fairytale treble alive after Sydney FC crumbles