The 'terrific' A-Leagues advert between Mariners and Wanderers

Goals galore, end-to-end action, goal-line clearances and a rocking atmosphere.

Saturday night’s breath-taking 2-2 between Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers was the perfect Isuzu UTE A-League advert.

Both sets of fans were in full voice as second-placed Mariners and third-placed Wanderers went toe-to-toe in front of more than 8,000 supporters in Gosford, where Central Coast substitute Christian Theohorus almost snatched victory at the death but he was denied by the crossbar.

Sammy Silvera had given Central Coast a 30th-minute lead before Yeni Ngbakoto’s stunning moment of individual brilliance levelled proceedings five minutes later.

The Wanderers took the lead on the hour mark via Brandon Borrello but Central Coast were not done as Jason Cummings equalised with his eighth goal of the season in the 73rd minute.

The Round 14 matchup had Network 10 commentators and pundits waxing lyrical during the game and afterwards.

“The A-League at its very best,” said lead commentator Simon Hill.

Network 10 analyst and former A-Leagues striker Roy O’Donovan said: “The A-League of old.”

“If this doesn’t get bums on seats, I don’t know what will,” said co-commentator and ex-A-Leagues forward Daniel McBreen.

At the conclusion of the 90 minutes, Hill added: “What a breath-taking game of football that was. It really lived up to its billing.

That was a terrific advert for the competition. Well done to the two coaches and the players.

“… What a monumental effort from both teams. The fans in the stands contributed as well.”

As the Network 10 crew dissected the contest, O’Donovan said: What a game. That’s everything I love about football.

Passion, atmosphere, great play. It had goals as well. It was an unbelievable game and to be here live, it was special.

Alex Brosque continued: “It had everything. Everything you wanted in a football game – two teams going end-to-end.

“It was frantic. The coaches on the touchline as well were having tension. That’s what makes the game special. The players feed off the energy the coach’s give too. You can see, you have two good teams playing high-quality football.”

Report – AAP

Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw of finals-like intensity at Industree Group Stadium.

From the outset, both sides were intent on attacking the ball and played at a high standard as they jostled for second spot on the ladder.

But neither could strike the knockout blow after the Mariners equalised with 17 minutes to play.

In his first game against his old side, Oli Bozanic appeared intent on giving the Wanderers an early advantage and had the first shot on target for the evening inside 45 seconds.

Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic took flight to punch the strike away.

Despite the Wanderers’ early intensity up forward, the Mariners drew first blood after Marco Tulio began to take charge for the home side.

Sammy Silvera pierced a gap in the Wanderers’ defensive wall with a left-footed strike from just outside the 12-yard box in the 30th minute.

But five minutes later, his effort was matched by Wanderers forward Yeni Ngbakoto, who swivelled around inside the box to tap the ball past Vukovic with his heel.

With the scores level, Bozanic remained the Wanderers’ favourite attacking option.

The ex-Socceroo appeared intent on sticking it to the Mariners after coach Nick Montgomery began overlooking him for selection last season, and was in everything in attack.

The Gosford crowd booed him as he left the pitch at half-time with the scores tied, and then again when he checked out of the game midway through the second half.

The Wanderers had the lead when substitute Aidan Simmons connected with Brandon Borrello, who beat Brian Kaltak to score their second from just inside the box.

The Mariners needed a response, and Socceroo Jason Cummings provided one when he was injected into the game.

After a Mariners free-kick, the ball ricocheted from teammate Nectarios Triantis, onto Cummings’ chest, and into the net. The Scottish-born striker had his eighth goal of the season.

Neither side was intent to play for the draw and the Mariners had one last chance when they were paid a free kick for Adama Traore’s handball just outside the box.

Christian Theoharous’ shot struck the crossbar but did not continue on to the net and the scoreline stood at 2-2.