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Compared with its Sydney rival, the Central Coast Mariners had a far more low-key buildup to the inaugural A-League season. The majority of its squad were experienced players from the defunct National Soccer League. They generally exceeded most expectations, having a very successful season, culminating in two solid displays in the preliminary competitions and reaching the grand final in the A-League.
[edit] Preliminary Competitions
The Mariners competed in Phillips International soccer sevens tournament played in Hong Kong. There group featured three of the biggest teams in the world, PSV, Manchester United and Celtic. The Mariners caused one of the upsets of the tournament by defeating a somewhat understrength Manchester United 2-1.
[edit] World Club Qualification Competition
The Mariners were runners-up to Sydney FC in the qualifying tournament held to determine Australia's entry in the FIFA World Club Championship, losing in the grand final 1-0.
[edit] Pre-Season Challenge Cup
The Mariners surprised many by winning the inaugural Pre-Season Cup, defeating Perth Glory in the final 1-0 at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.
Group B
| Team |
Pts |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
| Sydney FC |
7 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
1 |
| Central Coast |
6 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
| Queensland Roar FC |
4 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
| New Zealand Knights FC |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
9 |
[edit] A-League Season
[edit] Home-and-Away Season
The team's progress in the regular season was slow at first, affected by illness and injuries. In particular, the loss of star recruit Nick Mrdja whose injuries kept him off the field throughout the regular season was a major blow. Through the year injuries forced the club to sign up additional players on short term deals: Jamie McMaster, Brad Porter, Dez Giraldi, Matthew Trott and even the Head Coach (and former Rangers player) Ian Ferguson stepped in to cover gaps. However, the team worked well as a close-knit unit and a small fan base grew steadily as results have improved.
Thanks largely to the goals from Stewart Petrie (tied competition top-scorer), Dean Heffernan and John Hutchinson and a very competitive (if underrated) midfield and defence, the club made the finals after finishing the regular season in third place.
[edit] Finals
The Mariners progressed to the Preliminary Final of the A-League after defeating local rivals the Newcastle Jets in the Minor Semi-Final 2-1 on aggregate (winning 0-1 in the first leg at Energy Australia Stadium and earning a tough 1-1 draw at home). In the Preliminary final they faced minor premiers Adelaide United away, winning 1-0 with a seventh-minute Tom Pondeljak strike to pass into the final. The grand final saw the Mariners play against Sydney FC in Sydney on March 5, losing 1-0.
[edit] Season Summary
| Season |
Points Total |
Position (after League) |
Position (after Finals) |
| 2005 – 06 |
32 |
3rd |
2nd |
[edit] Awards
- Mariners Medallist - player of the year, as voted by Club members:
- Chairman's Award - awarded for outstanding service to the club:
- Golden Boot (top goalscorer):
- Jesters' Pies Marinators' Goal of the Year:
- Central Coast Mariners Members Player of the Year Award:
[edit] See also
