Central Coast Mariners threw Melbourne City for SIX into major upset as Jason Cummings hat-trick underdog A-League title in Paramatta
Central Coast Mariners are A-League champions after beating Melbourne City in the grand final.
Despite winning the league by 11 points in the regular season, City were humbled by the plucky underdogs in Paramatta.
It is the club’s second title in their history, 10 years after winning their first piece of silverware in 2013, and caps off a remarkable journey from three consecutive wooden spoons to Australian champions.
Jason Cummings opened the scoring on his final appearance for the Mariners in the 20th minute, scoring a sweeping move from the right before their lead was doubled by Sam Silvera.
City pulled one back before half time through Richard van der Venne and overwhelmed Central Coast at the start of the second half.
Central Coast Mariners have won the A-League Grand Final by beating Melbourne
Mariners star Christian Theoharous celebrates after helping his team be crowned champions
Jason Cummings scored a hat-trick in his last appearance for the Australian club
After years of misery, the Mariners fans were treated to a memorable performance
City stars cut dejected figures after being hammered by the Mariners in Sydney
However, a brain fade 20 minutes into the second period gave the Mariners two penalties, both of which were dispatched by Cummings, who became only the second man to score a hat-trick in the Grand Final.
Beni Nkololo and Moresche wrapped up the defeat in front of 26,523 fans at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium.
“Last dance man, I don’t know what happened,” Cummings said after the 6-1 win.
“We just beat the champions who caked the league, we won 6-1. What a travel man. I’ve been here a year and a half and the gaffer has changed my life.
“My career was out of control, but I love the Coast man, I’m speechless. I have never experienced anything like this in my life, I have never had a manager believe in me as much as he did. We’re going to party tonight.’