A gutsy 1-0 win for the Central Coast Mariners over Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium has seen the Newcastle Jets clinch the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership.
In a game that was punctuated by lightning delays at Go Media Stadium, Auckland’s Premiership hopes were officially dashed thanks to Ali Auglah’s first-half strike.
The home side sent a few early sighters towards Mariners keeper Andrew Redmayne’s goal at Go Media Stadium but the game truly burst into life in the 13th minute, owing to a lengthy VAR check for violent conduct.
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The incident in question saw Mariners defender James Donachie appear to step on the back of Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove as he lay on the ground after the duo competed for a header, however after close to two minutes reviewing the incident referee Jonathon Barreiro opted to dish out a yellow card instead of a red, much to the frustration to the home crowd.
From the resulting freekick Auckland forward Jesse Randall whipped a dangerous effort towards goal which was well saved by Redmayne, before the away side then silenced the Go Media faithful.
Charging forward on the break midfielder Jesse Mantell picked out the run of Nathanel Blair who in turn played a first-time pass into the path of Auglah and the forward did the rest, dispatching the ball beyond goalkeeper Michael Woud to make it 1-0.
The heavens then opened in Auckland and with storm activity in the area the game was soon halted due to a colossal lightning strike in the area in the 34th minute which sent a huge boom around the ground.
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With the lightning gone and the second half well underway Auckland continued to pepper the Mariners goal but constantly encountered an inspired Redmayne who thwarted their attempts at bagging the equaliser.
The Mariners came close to bagging a second but Auckland keeper Woud brilliantly saved from Donachie’s close range header as the clocked down before Auckland threw the kitchen sink at trying to keep the Premiership hopes alive.
Mariners sub Sabit Ngor wasted a glorious chance to seal the 2-0 win in the 88th minute as he could only steer Auglah’s outstanding outside-of-the-boot pass wide of the target despite having the goal gaping.
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The chances kept coming for the Mariners as Blair blazed over the bar twice deep into stoppage time before the referee eventually blew the full time whistle to bring an end to Auckland’s Premiership hopes in a result that officially sees Newcastle Jets crowned Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers for the 2025-26 season.
WHAT THEY SAID
A disappointed Sam Cosgrove spoke to Paramount+ after hte full time whistle at Go Media Stadium.
Andrew Redmayne was in outstanding form in Auckland to help the Mariners seal the three points. He spoke to the panel after the game.
