Central Coast travel to Auckland to take on the high-flying Wellington Phoenix in what will be another tough game for the Mariners, who have just one win from their first nine rounds of the season. Join The Roar from 3:00pm (AEDT) for live coverage.
Central Coast head into Round 10 on an eight-match winless streak, and have conceded four goals in their past two matches.
This tally rise if the Mariners’ defence isn’t bolstered, as Wellington head into the fixture with eight goals in their past two matches.
This will be the second time these two teams have played this season, the first in Round 2 saw Wellington comfortably winning 2-1.
Ernie Merrick’s side still have some improvement in them, as they couldn’t find a way around the Jets’ defence for the first 60 minutes last week.
For the Mariners’ the 3-0 loss to Melbourne Victory at North Sydney Oval last week is one they’ll want to put behind them, with three goals in 12 fatal minutes ruining the close-to-perfect defensive display in the first half.
How Central Coast can win
Hungarian Richard Vernes showed last week that he can play football. Playing as a box-to-box midfielder, he had the quality to run with the ball, and often beat his man with a good turn of pace. If his passing game picks up, he could become a player to watch this season.
But to win this one they will also need a full 90 minutes without any defensive errors or lapses of concentration. It’s a difficult task, but one that they could live up to if Wellington have an off night.
How Wellington can win
Wellington have all the right things going for them at the moment. Three attacking weapons all firing and scoring goals, three midfielders who’ve gelled brilliantly to create some mouth-watering football, and a defensive back four with the right mix of experience and youth to keep most A-League sides at bay.
They merely have to show up and do what they do to win this one, though a more complete attacking display could be asked of them, as the Phoenix failed to create an abundance of chances against the Jets last week.
Prediction
Wellington 2-0 Central Coast.
hog
Guest
Should have won that won with plenty to spare, but in the end felt relieved for the draw, mainly the first half which was shooting practice, but good on the Mariners, they took their chance. But still happy with the way the Pheonix are playing, Gonna win more than they lose playing like that.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix Full Time’ Wellington will feel as though they should've won this match, with plenty of chances to get ahead in the first half, but Matt Simon's goal was enough to earn the Mariners a point in Auckland, which they should be happy with. A solid defensive display from the Mariners couldn't stop Wellington running riot in attack, but Reddy did enough to keep the scores level. Roy Krishna and Nathan Burns were lethal in the first half, and with McGlinchey pulling the strings behind them, Ernie Merrick will feel robbed to not walk away from this one with 3 points. Thanks for tuning in, see you next time.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Mariners just trying to keep possession, and send the ball back to Reddy. Not the type of football you want to be playing when drawing 1-1, after leading the match for an hour. FULL TIME Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 90+3’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Long ball for Sim had too much on it, and now Wellington attack. They haven't had a sight on goal for the past ten minutes - have lost their ryhthm again. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 90+2’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Three minutes of stoppage time. Mariners on the ball. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 90+1’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Neill wins a corner with good attacking intent. He has been fantastic tonight. McGlinchey makes way for Alex Rufer now, and probably Wellington's chancs of a win leave with him. He is the architect of almost everything good about Wellington. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 90’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
McGlinchey's ball retention is remarkable. Able to glide past players with ease, and then use his body to protect the ball when his touch is too heavy. Freekick for Mariners - perhaps they have a winner in them. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 88’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Straight at Reddy. Cunningham on for Riera. Good attacking move. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 86’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Two freekicks in quick succession for Wellington. That must get frustrating as a coach. Both professional fouls to stop Krishna and McGlinchey respectively. Within shooting range, McGlinchey to take. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 85’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Tired passess from Riera and Rodriguez recently. hey just need some composure for the last few minutes. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 84’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Riera does his job well in defence to stop Fitzgerald on the counter; Burns making way now for Jeremy Brockie, and Vernes for Bingham Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 82’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Game opening up now, looks like counter attacking football from both sides every time they go forward. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 80’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
It's been coming all match, but that goal couldn't have gone to a player - and team - more deserving. Chance Wellington! McGlinchey plays in Krishna, who had only the keeper to beat, but with Burns approaching on the wing, he opted to play in Burns, but Poscoliero was there to cover. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 78’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
GOAL Krishna!!!! What a goal! Finally they get one in, with a beautiful dink over the Mariners defence finding Krishna, who chested the ball down then slotted past Reddy for a classy finish - the first of the match. Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Wellington Phoenix 77’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Its starting to get frustrating! The lead up play is brilliant, but that final touch continues to evade the Wellington players. Bonevacia the culprit this time, as he looked to cut back and fire a shot with his right, but couldn't find the right touch, allowing Sim to clear. Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix 77’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Corner for Wellington. Krishna beats his man, but Neill slides in to put the ball behind. Mariners break from corner, but Vernes gives the ball away, and then fouls Fenton when trying to recover. Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix 76’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Msucat gives possession away. They have lost their ryhthm again. Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix 75’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Krishna not so confident in defensive duties, but Sigmund is, and Wellington clear. Rodriguez fouled - here come the Nix Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix 74’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Caceres does well against Riera, and Central Coast win a freekick. Sim and Vernes combine, and Fitzgerald wins a corner against Rodriguez. Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix 72’
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Most otuches of the match has to be favouring McGlinchey. He has been everywhere tonight. Central Coast Mariners 1-0 Wellington Phoenix 70'