Central Coast Mariners Hold Melbourne City in Four-Goal Semi-Final Thriller

Melbourne City’s unbeaten streak continues, but the Mariners proved they’re no easy beats after fighting back twice in a gripping semi-final first leg. Read about it here.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Brooke Nunn of the Mariners beats Malena García of Melbourne City during the First Leg of the A-League Women's Semi Final between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City at Industree Group Stadium, on May 03, 2025, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

For the third time this season Central Coast Mariners have pulled off a 2-2 draw against premiers Melbourne City - setting the scene for a blockbuster second A-League’s Women’s semi-final leg.

It was a tight battle - with Mariners first to take the lead, City scoring a double, the Mariners levelling it back out.

Both team’s impressive skills were on show - Mariners’ goals coming off the back of brilliant team play, City’s from a long range free kick and individual brilliance.

Mariners who had to fight back from a goal down against Canberra United in the elimination final to earn entry to the semi-final went into the game as clear underdogs.

Going into the match City were undefeated this season, from 23 ALW games. The two times they had faced off with Mariners had ended in draws.

Leticia McKenna of Melbourne City celebrates a goal with teammates during the First Leg of the A-League Women's Semi Final between Central Coast Mariners. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

Mariners’ Isabel Gomez said their track record of coming from behind had them confident they would find a way back into the game.

“City is a tough team, we knew it was going to be a tough match, they have a solid team, but we held off and took it today, we got the two goals so we are happy,” Gomez told Paramount post match.

“We’ve come into games down so we weren’t stressed, we knew we were going to come back.”

The opening minutes of the game were tit for tat - both teams testing out each other’s defence and looking for an opportunity.

Mariners found it first after Annalise Rasmussen nutmegged City veteran Rebekah Stott and made a daring run down the wing. She got the ball into Isabel Gomez who then found Jade Pennock.

Pennock took a shot but it rebounded off the keeper into the path of Nunn - who finished it cleanly.

Nine minutes later City had a free kick from well outside the box but it was no drama for Leticia McKenna who executed one of the best free kicks of the season to level the scores.

City’s Brylee Henry then made a very well timed tactical run to pick up a long pass in the midfield - she slipped past the Mariners defence, stepped past keeper Sarah Langman and coolly slotted the ball into the net.

Mariners tried desperately to level the scores again before the half time break but really struggled to keep onside and break through the City’s disciplined back line.

Rasmussen proved key to the equaliser - her perfect pass landing at Pennock’s feet, who took a few touches before offloading it to Nunn.

.@CCMariners and @MelbourneCity settle for an entertaining draw in the Semi-Final first leg! 🤝

It'll all come down to their final meeting next week 👀

📰 Match report: https://t.co/Nz534gBbvR pic.twitter.com/FouS79vwTB

— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) May 3, 2025

Nunn skipped past the keeper, had the composure to take a look and then smacked the ball into the net to have the teams tied at 2-2 54 minutes into the game.

The goal gave Mariners a huge confidence boost - switching from being a bit timid in front of goal to taking any shot that presented itself.

City keen to take back the lead turned to their bench - bringing on ALW golden boot winner Holly McNamara. Matildas fans around the country held their breath when McNamara dropped to the ground in the 83rd minute - but it was due to an awkward header - not another knee issue and she was able to continue.

Both coaches made some tactical changes in a bid to break the deadlock but it led to a bit of a stand off in the midfield.

Not even Mariners teenage super sub Tiana Fuller, known for scoring a match winner, was able to break the deadlock.

Both teams will go head to head again next weekend in the second leg with the team with the best aggregate score earning passage to the grand final.

City’s Henry said having the final leg at home, in front of hopefully a big crowd, would be an advantage.

“But that is not to say it won’t be a tough game like it was here,” Henry said.

Adelaide United will host Melbourne Victory in the other semi-final at Coopers Stadium at 4pm Sunday (AEST).

Originally published as Central Coast Mariners Hold Melbourne City in Four-Goal Semi-Final Thriller