Western United go third in ALM with Mariners draw

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Western United go third in ALM with Mariners draw

Western United have fought out a dramatic 2-2 draw with reigning champions Central Coast to go third on the A-League Men table.

United will head into an extended break within touching distance of the top two after captain Ben Garuccio’s wonderful free kick equaliser in the 74th minute headlined an exciting clash at Ironbark Fields.

In-form striker Noah Botic had headed United in front in the 33rd minute.

The Mariners equalised through Mikel Doka’s chaotic free kick in the 39th minute, before taking the lead via Ryan Edmondson three minutes later.

Garuccio then equalised before goalkeeper Matt Sutton twice denied Mikael Doka in injury time, the first when making a brilliant one-on-one save and again from an attempted bicycle kick, to earn United a point.

John Aloisi’s United sit third on 25 points, five points off the top, while Mark Jackson’s Mariners (19 points) are still three points outside the top six.

The first half was a see-sawing affair until Riku Danzaki burst forward and picked out Botic to flick home his seventh goal of the season just after the half-hour mark.

Botic, 23, has emerged as one of the competition’s best young strikers, underlining his potential as a future Socceroo.

But the high from Botic’s opener was short-lived.

The Mariners equalised when Doka attempted to cross the ball but his skidding free kick evaded everyone, including Sutton, and nestled in the goal.

Mere minutes later, the Mariners were in front.

Teenager Haine Eames brilliantly released Nathan Paull down the left.

Paull unleashed a first-time cross and Edmondson was on hand to tap home at the back post.

United equalised when Garuccio curled a free kick around the wall and it caught Peraic-Cullen unawares and skidded into the bottom corner.

Rhys Bozinovski had a late chance to slip through Abel Walatee but blasted a shot over the bar, while Hiroshi Ibusuki turned a close-range effort wide in the 89th minute.

The Mariners have a tight turnaround before hosting Saturday’s derby against Newcastle.

United have another break, returning to action away to Macarthur on February 9.

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