After taking a 1-nil lead into the half-time break, both Mariners and Raiders piled the goals on in the second-half and the Mariners claimed a 4-2 win.

Mariners coach Jason Payne said he was happy with the win.

“It was a scrappy game. We struggled to control the ball in the first-half,” he said.

“We struggled to get the ball out from the back and we forced unnecessary pressure on ourselves. 

“We played a bit better in the second-half but I’m just happy to get the win.”

Raiders played a pressing game in the first-half, looking to force the host to make errors at the back.

Yet the pressure went unrewarded, as the Mariners took a 1-nil lead after a lackluster first-half. 

In the second-half, the Mariners came out determined to improve from their first-half performance.

While the first-half may have been forgotten, the second-half did not fail to disappoint and the Raiders come within a goal of scoring a late equaliser, in a high scoring second-half. 

However, it was Mariners’ top goal-scorer Jasmin Courtenay who scored the fourth and final goal of the day for the hosts.

Courtenay has now scored 13 goals this season, the most in the competition.

She is three goals ahead of APIA Leichhardt Tigers’ Christina Ferreyra.

The win for the Mariners pushes the Central West-based club within one point of Raiders, who sit in second spot.

Payne said he would like to work on improving the defensive line.

“We’ve got a few defensive things to work on and we need to tighten things up,” he said.

“But we’re missing two key players in the backline – one injured and one away – so I’m happy with how the defence has gone in their absence.”

Working on defensive structures will be an important priority for the Mariners through the week, at training. 

Mariners have a bye this weekend. 

They will return to action on June 18 against Parramatta FC, who are coming off a 9-0 defeated, at home, against Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC.

Parramatta FC will host St George FC on June 11 at Melita Stadium. 

Mariners versus Parramatta FC is expected to kick-off at 3pm, at Jack Brabham Park in Orange