Mariners grab late equaliser to deny City

SYDNEY: Captain John Hutchinson struck a long-range equaliser deep into stoppage time to grab a 2-2 draw for the Central Coast Mariners against Melbourne City in Australia’s ALeague on Sunday.

It was an emotional goal for Hutchinson who rushed to the sidelines to celebrate with teammates and hug under-siege coach Phil Moss.

Melbourne City relinquished a two-goal lead after strikes by Mate Dugandzic and Erik Paartalu had City on track for a first home win of the season under Dutch coach John van’t Schip.

But Glen Trifiro’s free-kick and Hutchinson’s last-ditch goal salvaged a point for the struggling Mariners.

Perth Glory remain on top of the league after six rounds following a dominant 2-1 win over Asian club champions Western Sydney Wanderers at home on Saturday.

Glory scored a goal in either half through Dino Djulbic and Scott Jamieson to secure the points despite the Wanderers scoring a late goal by Joshua Sotirio.

The loss for the Wanderers means they remain last in the ALeague without a point.

Adelaide United’s Spanish attacker Sergio Cirio scrambled a last-gasp match-winner in a 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix to lie second in the standings.

Wellington’s Dutch import Rolieny Bonevacia scored with a sweet strike before Nigel Boogard equalised with a header.

The match was seemingly heading towards a draw when Cirio’s 93rd-minute goal delivered the Reds victory.

Great goalkeeping and wasteful finishing ensured glamour clubs Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory remained unbeaten after six rounds, as they slugged out a 0-0 draw in Sydney on Saturday. - AFP