Despite dominating possession and creating the better opportunities, the 50th instalment of the F3 Derby has ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw on Friday night at Central Coast Stadium.
After an impressive victory against the premiers-in-waiting Sydney FC on Tuesday night, Carl Robinson named an unchanged starting XI as he kept faith with his troops that performed so well on Tuesday night.
The Jets started positively and Bernie Ibini was once again looking dangerous as he and Matt Millar linked up well down the right flank, and shortly before halftime, Ibini twice went close to opening the scoring.
After being found in space down the right in the 38th minute, the number 21 cut inside on his left and forced Birighitti into a smart save. Moments later, he picked the ball up on the halfway line and left several Mariners in his wake before forcing another good save from the Mariners custodian.
The two sides went into the half time interval sharing the spoils despite an impressive showing from the away side.
The second period followed a similar pattern as the Jets dictated play but just couldn’t find the crucial goal their football deserved, and the hero of Tuesday night, Kosta Petratos was one of five second-half substitutes as the Jets chased all three points.
With just under 10 minutes remaining, Kosta Petratos ghosted into the box and was expertly found by a beautiful Jason Hoffman cross, but Kosta’s effort forced an outstanding reflex save from Birighitti as he denied his former side once again and helped his side stop a run of 11 consecutive losses.
The Jets will now enjoy some rest as they prepare for their next match against Western United at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 2nd of August.
