Goals galore in Hutchinson's fun farewell

It was all high jinks and frolics in a light-hearted testimonial for Central Coast Mariners great John Hutchinson in front of nearly 3000 fans on Saturday night.

(Getty Images)

Getty Source: Getty Images

Hutch's XI cruised past the Central Coast Mariners 12-5 in his farewell run out at Pluim Park, Lisarow before he assumes his role as assistant coach for the Mariners.

The veteran skipper, who spent a decade as a player at Central Coast Stadium, was given a guard of honour as he made his final exit on the stroke of full time on an evening which feaured a who's who of Mariners takent, past and present.

It also featured a hat-trick for Mariners keeper Liam Reddy and his oppositte number Danny Vukovic interviewing players mid-match.
The Hutch XI got off to a flier with four goals in the first 25 minutes giving it the upperhand.

First, outgoing Mariners striker Matt Simon crossed for Tom Pondeljak to tap into an empty net after Reddy had rushed off his line and was left in no man's land.

Two minutes later, ex-Mariners and Sydney FC hitman Saso Petrovski tapped in a second from a Vuko Tomasevic cross and former Cental Coast hardman Andre Gumprecht blasted home a third as the Mariners defence stood off much to delight of the crowd.
And it was four in the 25th minute when departing Perth Glory midfielder Rostyn Griffiths thrashed the ball past Reddy at his near post.

Played at half-pace, and with barely a foul in sight, the tenor of the tussle was exemplified by both keepers - Reddy and Danny Vukovic - showing no hesitation in leaving their goals unguarded to make forward runs.
That was before defender Zac Anderson took over from Reddy, and then went missing as Mile Sterjovski stroked home a fifth for Hutch's men after the first of three scheduled breaks, with 25 minutes played in each third.

Mariners winger Fabio Ferreira pulled one back in the 33rd minute with a toe-poke.

But the Hutch XI hit back immediately with Griffiths adding his second to make it six after Sterjovski had hit the post.

Tom Slater weaved into the penalty area to finish with his left foot for the Mariners second before Dean Heffernan headed home a seventh for Hutch's hitman, past a local ballboy who had come on and taken over in goal from Anderson.
Adam Kwasnik made it eight after being set up by Simon as the goals continued to flow for Hutch's hand-picked side.

There was even a cameo appearance by devoted Mariners fan Jake Banks for the Hutch XI and Central Coast skipper Nick Montgomery tucked into a supporter's chips in another moment of frivolity.

Vukovic, playing as an outfield player, headed a tenth as the frolics continued.

Sydney FC's former Mariner Bernie Ibini slotted an 11th before Reddy got on the scoresheet to reduce the deficit to 11-3, and minutes later he headed his second.

There was a red card for outgoing Mariners defender Brent Griffiths for a foul on a sauce bottle (the Mariners Masterfoods mascot).
Soon after an ecstatic Reddy notched his hat-trick after some neat footwork.
And with seven minutes left Hutchinson got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot to make his mark on the night.


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3 min read
Published 23 May 2015 6:34pm
Updated 23 May 2015 11:12pm
Source: SBS

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