The Central Coast Mariners dropped a three-goal lead in Geelong against Melbourne Victory, who scored a stoppage-time equaliser through Besart Berisha.
Goals from Harry Ascroft, Josh Bingham and Mitch Austin gave the Mariners the biggest half-time lead of any match in the competition this season, but after a rocket from Kevin Muscat the Victory came out firing in the second half.
Besart Berisha once again came to his side’s rescue, scoring a penalty to kick-start the comeback ad well as his headed equaliser in the 92nd minute. The result left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Mariners camp after a promising first half, but the Victory showed their experience and class to become just the third team to secure a point from being three goals down.
Central Coast Mariners
Tom Heward-Belle – 6: There were a few nervy moments for the 18-year-old, but he once again showed good natural ability as a shot-stopper. Needs to develop more authority in his area.
Storm Roux – 6.5: Was caught out defensively on occasion by Fahid Ben Khalfallah, but as the lead increased so did the New Zealand international’s confidence until being unfortunately caught out in stoppage time for the equaliser.
Jacob Poscoliero – 6: Made Besart Berisha look like a second-rate in the first half, but began to crack under the pressure in the second stanza as the Victory pushed for a way back into the match.
Harry Ascroft – 6: Produced a fine header to put his team in front, but could have given away more than one penalty with some poorly-timed challenges in the second half.
Josh Rose – 5.5: At times was exposed by the pace of Kosta Barbarousses in the first half before being completely torn apart in the second half. Starting to show signs of age.
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Jake McGing – 6.5: Covered Gui Finkler very well during his time on the pitch, expertly shielding the space between the defence and the midfield. Lost presence as the Victory came back to secure a point.
Michael Neill – 7: Boundless energy in the middle of the park allowed Mitch Austin to stay forward and terrorise the Victory defence. Also forced several Victory turnovers with his pressing up the pitch.
Nick Montgomery – 7: The fiery Englishman has continued to produce titanic efforts in the middle of the park all season, but finally has the teammates to help back him up.
Fabio Ferreira – 8: The Portuguese winger as proved his value to the team since returning from a month out with a hamstring injury, providing a constant threat on the right flank. Produced a sublime touch to set up the break for his side’s third goal.
Mitch Austin – 7.5: Produced an unerring finish to score his side’s third goal, but still showed poor decision-making with several other good chances, in particular missed the opportunity to send his team four-nil up in the 59th minute.
Joshua Bingham – 7.5: Showed great ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into the game and exhibited his clinical side with a first-time finish for the second goal. Should make the starting spot his for the rest of the season if he continues at this level.
Substitutes
Liam Rose – 5: Brought on as fresh legs and worked hard without much influence.
Francesco Stella – 5: Came on to help relieve pressure, but failed to help his side retain the ball.
Tomislav Uksok – N/A: Not on the field long enough to have an impact.
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