Is this the best goal line clearance of the season? Apart from Kye Rowles' bragging rights, it matters little: Central Coast Mariners going down 2-1 to Adelaide United in extra time.
The Mariners, as we've become accustomed to under the slow and tumultuous Mike Mulvey resurgence, started brightly.
This time it was Andrew Hoole who offered a much improved performance, capped off by a sensational strike to send his side into half time 1-0.
Pick. That. Out. Hooley takes his time, cuts onto his right and bends his shot inside the post. What a strike by Andrew Hoole!
β Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) 27 January 2019
π₯ @FOXFOOTBALL#ADLvCCM #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/sCPBekrcDw
Β It could have been even stevens, were it not for some phenomenal acrobatics from Rowles. Does the slow-mo do him any favours? We'll let you be the judge.
RECAP | Is this the best goal line clearance of the season? π₯ @FOXFOOTBALL.
β Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) 27 January 2019
Outstanding, Kye Rowles! ππΌ#ADLvCCM #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/Bw0yW3Mc53
But despite the Mariners' showiest efforts, Adelaide hit back. After Nikola Mileusnic and Craig Goodwin directed shot after shot at Ben Kennedy to no avail, Isaias finally broke the deadlock with some composure from short range.
It seemed poise for a well-deserved point for Central Coast, who endured a sub-standard performance from captain Matt Simon in favour of star performances from the likes of Rowles and Matt Millar.
But a very unlikely figure stepped up to send Hindmarsh Stadium into raptures. Seven goals in 50 A-League appearances unlikely: George Blackwood.Β
F*ck. Imagine being a Mariners fan hey? You have my condolences.
β The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) 27 January 2019
2-1 | #ADLvCCM #ALeague pic.twitter.com/NwjrXCzVW5
After typically sensational work from Scott Galloway - hard to think of a more improved player this season - Blackwood's header was followed by an understandable celebration.
Finger to lips, the much-maligned United striker reminded us all that perhaps we should hold our judgement...Australia's striking woes aren't assisted by rushing to judge.
Β
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