The Jets took control of the game from kickoff, instantly dominating possession whilst pushing the Mariners further and further back in their half. Kosta Grozos had an early free-kick narrowly miss the goal, hitting the side-netting after leaving Peraic-Cullen stranded.
Clayton Taylor had a chance to open the scoring, as he drove through the Central Coast defence before getting a shot away. However, the Mariners were able to block the shot, before eventually scrambling the ball away. Clayton was involved again minutes later, as he took the ball past Trent Sainsbury before being fouled, earning Sainsbury the first yellow card of this F3 Derby.
Clayton was again involved in play as he was able to nick the ball off of Sainsbury before playing a reverse-pass to Wilmering, who dragged his shot wide of the target. The Mariners first real chance of the game came from a Mikael Doka free kick. Doka smashed an effort from well outside the box, which only just missed the target as it flew over the crossbar.
Thomas Aquilina had himself a solid chance to open the scoring for the Jets, as he got in behind the Coast defence before firing a shot from out wide, which was deflected out for a corner. Unfortunately, it was the Mariners who drew first blood. Theoharous dribbled into the box, finding the unmarked Nathan Paull who was able to tap into the net from close range.
The boys were able to quickly assert dominance of possession again, with some good link-up between Gibson and Adams leading to another Clayton Taylor shot, which was saved by Peraic-Cullen. Halftime soon followed with the scores remaining 1-0 to the Coasties.
Not long after half-time, the Mariners were able to grab a second goal through Faisal to extend their lead to 2-0, giving the boys a mountain to climb in order to get a result out of the match. Soon after the goal, Lachlan Rose and Kota Mizunuma were brought on for Ben Gibson and Phil Cancar. Lachie made an instant impact, scoring in the 59th minute to bring the scoreline back to 2-1. Mark Natta was able to head down a corner for Lachie Rose, who stabbed the ball home from close range.
The Jets continued to create numerous chances, as Kota linked up well with Eli Adams to get a shot off, which was blocked by the Mariners defence. Charles M’Mombwa was soon introduced for Eli Adams.
Lachlan Rose was able to flick the ball around Kaltak, before Kaltak body-checked him, as he copped a yellow in the process. Doka got booked straight after for a dive, as he tried to win a free-kick for his side. Feijao had a chance to extend the Coasties lead, but Ryan Scott was equal to the task. Cal Timmins was subbed off for young gun Will Dobson in the 79th minute. Mikael Doka managed to get in behind soon after, but his shot struck the post before rebounding away.
In the 87th minute, Kota was able to whip in a stunning delivery, which found the head of Mark Natta before nestling in the bottom corner, making the score 2-2 with three minutes plus injury time remaining. The last few minutes of the game was full of end to end action, as each team searched for a third goal, but it wasn’t to be, as both sides settled for a point each. Brilliant comeback from the boys to come back from 2-2 down.
