Mariners buoyed by Champions League result

Central Coast coach Mark Jackson is confident the Mariners’ fighting effort in a 2-2 AFC Champions League Elite draw with Shanghai Shenhua can kickstart his side’s continental and domestic campaigns.

Trailing 2-0 to the Chinese Super League club in Gosford on Tuesday night, the Mariners fought back to snare a point thanks to a 75th-minute goal from Sabit Ngor and a stoppage-time equaliser from Bailey Brandtman.

The draw finally opened the Mariners’ Champions League Elite account following three previous losses.

The club has also made a stuttering start to its A-League title defence with three successive draws.

“I think (Tuesday night’s performance) will give us a lot of positivity,” Jackson said.

“The boys were positive anyway going into the game. I felt that. I said to them in the team talk I was the calmest I’ve probably felt this season and that’s always a good thing.

“We do like the nerves and the anticipation of the game, but I felt calm because the boys looked focused, they looked ready, even coming off the back of a tough (0-0 draw) against Perth on the weekend.

“They looked physically strong, and we’re growing in that department now, the physicality of the team.

“The courage and impact from the bench as well, from the players, was fantastic tonight.

“We certainly had a group on the pitch, young players who’ve shone and made a statement.

“I’m really proud of them and we’ll be pushing as a staff to continue that conveyor belt coming and create chances for these players to play.”

The Mariners return to A-League action on Sunday against Wellington Phoenix in Gosford.

Central Coast’s next Champions League clash is on November 26 in Japan against Vissel Kobe.