Mariners Seal Finals Berth After Comeback Win Over City
Central Coast Mariners have booked their spot in the A-League Men finals after a dramatic 2-1 win over Melbourne City on Sunday.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time, the Mariners fought back in the second half with goals from Richard van der Venne and Jason Cummings to secure a crucial three points.
The Mariners' victory means they will finish the regular season in the top six and qualify for the finals series. City, on the other hand, will need to win their final game of the season against Adelaide United on Saturday to secure their spot in the top six. The game started brightly, with both teams creating chances in the opening minutes. City took the lead in the 20th minute when Richard van der Venne headed home a cross from Florin Berenguer. The Mariners pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way through the City defence. City had a chance to extend their lead in the 40th minute but Curtis Good's header hit the crossbar. The Mariners came out firing in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts in the 65th minute when van der Venne equalised with a header from a corner. The Mariners continued to press for a winner and were rewarded in the 73rd minute when Cummings scored with a diving header from a cross from Beni N'Kololo. City tried to find an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to break down the Mariners defence. The Mariners' win means they will finish the regular season in fifth place with 38 points. City are in sixth place with 37 points and will need to win their final game of the season against Adelaide United on Saturday to secure their spot in the top six.
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