Central Coast Mariners lost 3-1 to Auckland City in their final A-League pre-season clash in New Zealand on Wednesday.
Olyroos captain Oliver Bozanic put the Mariners ahead, before 2011 O-League Champions Auckland City levelled mid-way through the opening stanza from the penalty spot.
The Mariners fell behind on the stroke of half time, with the home side striking again just before the full time whistle to run out 3-1 victors.
Mariners coach Graham Arnold said the friendly against Auckland was the final test his side needed with just 10 days before the A-League season kicks off.
“They are a team that is going to the FIFA Club World Cup, and they have some very good players,” he said.
“I dont like to have not played a game more than 10 days before another match, so this was the perfect final hit-out for us,” he said.
Central Coast return home from New Zealand on Thursday, and will continue their preparations prior to their season opener against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday October 8.
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