Bosnich makes stunning return in 3-0 win
AAP - July 27, 2008, 5:59 pm
Mark Bosnich has made a spectacular return to top-flight football after a seven-year absence, saving a penalty and making several brilliant saves to help the Central Coast Mariners to a 3-0 win over Sydney FC in the AL Pre-Season Cup.
The 36-year-old former Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Socceroos goalkeeper was cheered at every turn by the 7,107 spectators at rainy Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.
Making his first appearance on Australian soil since 1999, and his first in an Australian club match for nearly 20 years, Bosnich enjoyed a quiet opening in his return match.
However, Bosnich finally had the chance to demonstrate that he had lost little of his trademark agility when he tipped a rasping Terry McFlynn drive over the crossbar on the 28-minute mark.
The second half for Bosnich produced a similarly spectacular save from a curling Mitchell Prentice effort before he completed a flawless debut for the Mariners with a 59th-minute penalty save from a Steve Corica penalty.
Brad Porter grabbed the opening goal for the Mariners just prior to the interval with Sasho Petrovski and a penalty from Nik Mrdja completing the scoring.