Match Summary
Central Coast Mariners defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 1:0. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by Mikael Doka 83′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Central Coast Mariners had 45% possession while Western Sydney Wanderers held 55%. Central Coast Mariners had 10 shots (3 on target) compared to 14 (1 on target) for Western Sydney Wanderers. Central Coast Mariners made 4 substitutions, Western Sydney Wanderers made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers — 1 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
Central Coast Mariners had 45% possession against Western Sydney Wanderers's 55%. Central Coast Mariners registered 10 shots (3 on target) while Western Sydney Wanderers managed 14 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 4–4. Fouls committed: 10–19.
Lineups
Central Coast Mariners lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under M. Jackson, while Western Sydney Wanderers deployed a 4-4-2 under M. Rudan.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Central Coast Mariners is 6.71, compared to 7.19 for Western Sydney Wanderers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Central Coast Mariners's highest-rated starter is M. Di Pizio (6.87), while Western Sydney Wanderers's best-rated player is O. Priestman (7.96).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Central Coast Mariners have contributed 4 goals and 6 assists this season, led by M. Di Pizio (3G). Western Sydney Wanderers's starters account for 0 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Central Coast Mariners deploy 4 defenders rated 6.61 on average, against Western Sydney Wanderers's 4-man backline averaging 6.88. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Central Coast Mariners field 4 midfielders averaging 6.65, versus Western Sydney Wanderers's 4 rated 7.50. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Central Coast Mariners start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.87, compared to 2 for Western Sydney Wanderers averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for Central Coast Mariners and 90% for Western Sydney Wanderers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Central Coast Mariners's starters have collected 3 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Western Sydney Wanderers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Central Coast Mariners's starting XI is 27.3 (youngest: M. Di Pizio (19), oldest: S. Roux (32)), while Western Sydney Wanderers average 25.5 (youngest: D. Scicluna (21), oldest: J. Brillante (32)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Central Coast Mariners's starters average 13 league appearances each, versus 11 for Western Sydney Wanderers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Central Coast Mariners have recorded 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats. Western Sydney Wanderers show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Central Coast Mariners
Western Sydney Wanderers
Head to Head
Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers have met 2 times — Central Coast Mariners won 1, Western Sydney Wanderers won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 10 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.00 per match (5 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–2 in 2026.
1
Central Coast Mariners
0
Drawn
1
Western Sydney Wanderers
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026