McGlinchey's last laugh in A-League clash

Booed by his former fans, Michael McGlinchey had the last laugh on Saturday as he played a prominent part in Wellington Phoenix’s 2-1 A-League away win over Central Coast Mariners.

New Zealand international McGlinchey scored a first-half equaliser and was involved in the build-up to the 53rd-minute winner from the outstanding Nathan Burns.

The Phoenix held on at the end, after two of the Mariners’ substitutes had great chances to equalise with about 10 minutes to go.

Nick Fitzgerald headed against the post and Glen Moss made a great save to push away an on-target shot from Glen Trifiro.

McGlinchey, who was granted an early termination of his contract last month to join the Phoenix after five seasons with the Mariners, started quietly but became increasingly more influential.

He headed home from close range in the 35th minute, when he was first to the ball after Jeremy Brockie blasted a penalty against the crossbar.

Brockie earned the spot-kick when he was fouled by debutant Jacob Poscoliero, who was named ahead of more-experienced defender Zachary Anderson.

McGlinchey’s clever back heel released left back Thomas Doyle whose fine cross to the far post was headed across goal by Brockie to Burns, who netted from close range.

Central Coast had hit the front in the 12th minute through a catastrophic own-goal from Doyle.

A breakdown in communication in the Phoenix defence resulted in Moss coming off his line, only to see Doyle slide the ball past him into an unguarded net.

Phoenix started the game well, but the Mariners had a dominant 15-minute spell after going ahead, highlighted by Moss’s agile save from a fierce Mitchell Duke drive.

The visitors worked their way back into the game and created some chances in the period before the break.