Snapped goalpost delays A-League clash

A broken goalpost led to a bizarre delay in the A-League clash between Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory on Monday.

Players and fans alike in Gosford saw any hopes of a quick getaway to start their new year celebrations stymied as the goalframe at Central Coast Stadium gave way after just 11 minutes.

Tomislav Mrcela twisted and snapped the left-hand post as he tumbled into the net after heading in Neil Kilkenny’s cross from an offside position.

That led to the bemusing scene of groundsmen scrambling to fix the post as players passed balls among themselves, with both teams and the officials eventually leaving the field as a replacement goal was fitted.

Play finally resumed after a delay of around 45 minutes.

The Glory had taken the lead in just the third minute through Andy Keogh.

14’ / We’ve seen some crazy things in football and the A-League before, but Mrcela twisting the posts back is a new one! We’ve heard this could take 10-15 minutes…

(0-1) #CCMvPER #OneGlory

— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) December 31, 2018

26’ / Where’s @KostaBarb7 when you need him?

(0-1) #CCMvPER #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/FHK2GP3Bim

— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) December 31, 2018

34’ / The new goals are almost in place – could we become the first team in the @ALeague to score in three differrent goals in one game?

(0-1) #CCMvPER #OneGlory

— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) December 31, 2018