Western United have opening their first of two games in Tasmania with a comprehensive 1-0 win over ladder leaders Central Coast Mariners at UTAS Stadium. With an apparent attendance clocked at 3,203, former Mariner Connor Pain scored the lone goal of the match in the opening minutes much to the delight of the home away from home fans if you will.
Before kickoff, a minutes silence was observed in memory of Somerset Sharks’ Kieren Whitehouse who tragically past away this week. This was also done before all local games today and FNR send our heartfelt condolences to his entire family and friends.
WU dominated the first half shortly after Pain’s goal, dictating the midfield through Italian maestro Alessandro Diamanti who made his return to the line-up after a weeks absence. There was some rumours that he had done a hip injury but there was no signs of this during.
Mariners appeared to have awoken in the opening stages of the second half bringing on Kyol which gave the away side some much needed energy.
Ruon Tongyik was originally sent off for a second yellow but this was soon removed after the cameras revealed that there was an offside infringement.
Despite having near all possession and shots in the second half it was not to be for the ladder leaders as they had to watch United shut up shop and hold for the three points.
