Expert
In a game that none of the players will write home about, the Central Coast Mariners have beaten the Wellington Phoenix by one goal to nil at Graham Park in Gosford.
In a contest that never rose to any heights of note, the Mariners were the better team for extended periods except for the final twenty minutes of the game where the Phoenix threatened to equalise.
The first half was a domination by the home side and they should probably have been at least two goals clear after half an hour of the match.
As it stood, things were still level with seconds remaining in the first period before Andrew Hoole provided a slick cross for Daniel De Silva, who managed to slide home the opening goal as Tom Doyle was caught out at the back.
The second period started well for the Wellington team and they were able to level up the possession stats as the half unfolded yet were never great threats on the Mariners goal.
A chance or two to Roy Krishna and a late opportunity to Michael McGlinchey were the best moments for the visitors yet the home side hung on well to secure their first win in over two months.
Paul Okon will breathe a sigh of relief and the Phoenix will rue the result after building some real momentum over the last month.
Final score
Central Coast Mariners 1
Wellington Phoenix 0
TV
This match will be broadcast exclusively by Fox Sports 501.
Live stream
You can live stream Foxtel’s coverage of the match by using the Foxtel App if you already have a Foxtel TV subscription, or Foxtel Now if you don’t.
It has been a slow and steady slide for the Mariners as the season’s early promise has evaporated into a winless stretch that must be concerning Paul Okon.
Contrastingly, the Phoenix have found form at the right time of the year and after three wins in their last six matches, the slow accumulation of points has seen them creep closer and closer to the teams above them on the ladder.
The Mariners welcome the return of Wout Brama after a controversial incident a few weeks back and Wellington are celebrating the return of Roy Krishna who made an impact off the bench in their win last week.
After the tragedy of letting a two-goal lead against ten men slip against a gallant Adelaide, the Mariners will look to match their first-half performance, where they applied pressure and created many chances.
Wellington will look for more of the same after starting well against Perth and eventually finding a winner in the dying minutes. With much pride on the line in this one, there is scope for an entertaining encounter and both teams should look to attack.
With goals aplenty on the cards, the Phoenix will continue their impressive improvement and claim the three points away from home.
Central Coast Mariners 2, Wellington Phoenix 3
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:50pm (AEDT).