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Michael McGlinchey returns to Gosford as a winner as his new team take the three points.
The new forward partnership of Burns, Brockie and McGlinchey all played vital roles as the Phoenix created plenty of chances.
Burns was the standout and is first goal for the match sealed the victory.
The Mariners just left it too late with their chances and Wellington held on in defence nicely.
The three games in eight days also looked to have played its part in the match.
This will be a disappointing loss for the Mariners and they would have been confident of taking something away from the match.
As for the Phoenix, this could kick start their season, and prove the doubters wrong here in Australia and across the ditch.
FINAL SCORE:
Central Coast 1
Wellington 2
It could be a spiteful match between the Central Coast Mariners and the Wellington Phoenix today as Michael McGlinchey returns to face his former club. Join The Roar for a live blog of the Mariners and the Phoenix in the A-League at 5:00pm (AEDT).
The New Zealander, who joined the Phoenix in the off-season, made 120 appearances for the Mariners before wanting a move to Wellington in the winter break.
Unfortunately for him, he was still contracted until the end of January with Central Coast, and the Mariners did not want him to go.
Eventually the matter went to the tribunal and the Mariners made the move to release McGlinchey to the Phoenix.
Today is the first match between the two clubs since that decision.
How the players, and the fans, react to McGlinchey will be one of the stories of the day. Some will be extremely bitter, and angry, about losing one of their Premiership winning players.
It could spur them on, or provide a negative performance because he is playing.
It could also have an effect on McGlinchey who will be put under pressure by the fans and the players today.
Expect to see a big reaction to him every time he touches the ball.
This match could be close, and surprising, with the Phoenix having good form at Gosford in recent meetings.
The Phoenix are undefeated in their last two meeting against the Mariners, and won on their last trip to Gosford.
Amazingly, the win on the 21st of February when they won 4-1, is their last win in all competitions.
Since then they have not won in 9 competitive matches, losing 7 matches, and drawing the other two. This includes the FFA Cup loss to Adelaide United in the opening round.
Last week they were unlucky against Perth Glory. A conceded goal in the last five minutes cost them dearly and they got nothing out of their first match of the season.
For the Mariners, it was the opposite, as they won in stoppage time against Newcastle in the F3 derby.
Mitch Duke got the goal in the 92nd minute to give the Mariners the perfect start to the season. They continued that form mid-week with a 5-0 hammering of Palm Beach to make the semi-finals of the FFA Cup.
How the Mariners handle three games in eight days will be a key to the match.
Will they rest players? Will they play their best squad for 65 minutes and make a raft of changes? Or will they go for broke and play their fatigued squad for the full 90 minutes?
No matter what they do, this will help the Phoenix as they have had a longer break between matches.
The attacking options of each team will be the ultimate difference today.
For the Phoenix they have McGlinchey, Nathan Burns, Jeremy Brockie, Alex Rodriquez and Kenny Cunningham.
Cunningham, who returns from suspension, has scored twice in his last two matches against the Mariners.
The forwards look imposing but have had limited time together as many of the players are new signing.
For Central Coast they have Duke, Matthew Sim, new signing Malick Mane, and Richard Vernes to provide the goals for the Mariners.
Sim was instrumental against Palm Beach, scoring four goals in the second half, to give them the win.
Whichever team can create the most chances will have the best opportunity to win.
The Mariners are the favourites for the match today, and have won six matches out of nine played against the Phoenix at Gosford.
They will also be hunting for redemption after one of their team-mates left the team for the Phoenix.
While three matches in a week will affect the team, I can’t see them losing the match because of it.
It will be close, and the Phoenix will score, but the Mariners will secure a win for their home fans.
PREDICTION: Central Coast 2-1
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