Central Coast Mariners 6-1 Melbourne City: A-League champions crowned

Central Coast Mariners hit Melbourne City for SIX in major upset as Jason Cummings hat trick hands underdogs the A-League title in Paramatta

Central Coast Mariners are A-League champions after smashing 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 on from winning their first piece of silverware in 2013 and caps a remarkable journey from three consecutive wooden spoons to Australian champions. 

Jason Cummings opened the scoring on his final appearance for the Mariners on the 20th minute, slotting home a sweeping move from the right before their lead was doubled by Sam Silvera.

City pulled one back through Richard van der Venne before the break and overwhelmed Central Coast at the start of the second half.

Central Coast Mariners have won the A-League grand final after smashing Melbourne

Mariners star Christian Theoharous celebrates after helping his side be crowned champions

Mariners star Christian Theoharous celebrates after helping his side be crowned champions

Jason Cummings scored a hat trick in his final appearance for the Australian club

Jason Cummings scored a hat trick in his final appearance for the Australian club

After years of misery, the Mariners fans were treated to a memorable performance

After years of misery, the Mariners fans were treated to a memorable performance

However, a brain fade 20 minutes into the second period handed the Mariners two penalties, both of which dispatched by Cummings who became only the second man to score a hat trick in the grand final. 

Beni Nkololo and Moresche rounded out the rout 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 have just beat the champions who caked the league, we have won 6-1 What a journey man. I’ve been here a year and a half and the gaffer changed my life. 

‘My career was spiralling out of control but I love the Coast man, I’m lost for words. I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life, I’ve never had a manager believe in me like he has. We are going to party tonight.’ 

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