A- LEAGUE MARINERS SPOIL DEBUT PARTY

No debut joy for Macarthur

FOR the first time in just over three years the Central Coast Mariners have won back- toback A- League games in a single season as they spoiled the debut home game party for competition new boys Macarthur Bulls with a shock 2- 0 win at Campbelltown stadium.

In front of an impressive COVID- restricted but boisterous first ever home crowd of 4538 for Macarthur, the Mariners proved they may not be the laughing stock of Australian domestic football for much longer.

It was a battle between two former Matildas coaches, Alen Stajcic and Ante Milicic, with Stajcic’s Mariners well organised and threatening.

The Mariners took the lead through former boy wonder Danny De Silva.

Now 23 and with a career that has promised so much in dire need of a sparkling campaign, he was able to toe poke home past Adam Federici thanks to some inventive work by fellow diminutive midfielder Josh Nisbet. A double change for Macarthur at halftime had an impact as they created a string of chances, the best of which was a drive from outside the box from Ivan Franjic in the 75th minute.

But as they continued to push for an equaliser the substitutes combined late to seal it for the Mariners with Jordan Smylie netting his first ever ALeague goal.

THERE is something about Hindmarsh Stadium for Carl Veart especially when he represents Adelaide United.

The now permanent Adelaide coach scored the club’s first goal in 2003 against Brisbane Strikers in the now defunct national soccer league.

This time as a leader, the Whyalla- born Adelaide City and Reds legend and former Socceroo guided United in his home coaching debut to a stunning 2- 0 win over Melbourne City in front of more than 10,000 fans.

Tomi Juric stepped away from his markers and was allowed to turn before firing the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring.

Another ex- City player, Reds captain Stefan Mauk made it 2- 0 in the 76th minute.