Upsets Persist in Australia Cup as Central Coast Mariners Fall in Round of 32
The Australia Cup round-of-32 provided its fair share of upsets with prominent A-League clubs among the casualties.
Only six A-League clubs have progressed to the Australia Cup round-of-16, with treble winners Central Coast Mariners the latest major victims.
Having won last season’s A-League premiership-championship double, as well as tasting AFC Cup continental glory, the Mariners started as hot favourites to be NPL Victoria club Heidelberg on Wednesday night.
However, Heidelberg prevailed 3-1 in extra-time to send the Mariners packing.
Joshua Pin netted a double for the former National Soccer League club at Olympic Village, while Sean Ellis also scored for the winners.
The Mariners only goal came from their Brazilian star Mikael Doka.
“We know that they’re a top team but you’ve just got to take the moment, and take the chance you get,” Ellis said.
“We’re getting closer and closer to A-League (teams).”
Of the 10 A-League clubs that entered the Australia Cup at the round-of-32 stage, four – the Mariners, Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix – have already been eliminated,
Sydney and the Phoenix were also beaten by NPL Victoria opposition – Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne – while Melbourne City lost 5-4 to Perth Glory.
