AFC Cup interzonal semis preview: Is the comeback on, or will the Mariners coast through the second leg?
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Melbourne Victory have put the sword through a Mariners side that conceded their season is over, as the home side piled on five goals in a rout of the visitors.
Connor Pain’s consolation goals at the end of the game was of little solace for an away side that cannot finish this season quickly enough.
The first half saw Melbourne put the foot on the Mariners’ throat through goals to Leroy George and Besart Berisha, each player also gaining an assist stat for the other’s goal.
But it was in the second half where Melbourne turned up the heat.
As the Mariners seemed to reel from the loss of Antony Golec to a season-ending broken leg, that resulted in 9 minutes of stoppage time, the Mariners came out the brighter early in the second, but it would not last.
Berisha highlighted the phrase that “form is temporary and class is permanent,” as he helped himself to a hat-trick, after more quality play from that man George.
He was ably assisted by the likes of James Troisi (taken off early as a precaution with his socceroos call up this week) and Rhys Williams putting in a commanding performance in defence (despite not getting a national call up himself).
Christian Theoharous came on for a late cameo, and after himself enjoying a strike that almost broke the net again (the second half having earlier been held up as match officials confusedly tried to repair a hole in the net) Melbourne went into auto-pilot to see the match out.
Pain would grab a late double that he barely acknowledged.
The Victory are back, in a big way, with a statement win and warning to the top-2.
For the Mariners, it is questionable how they can compete for the remainder of the season, given they are second last, and seemingly content to put in performances such as tonight.
Perhaps the threat of the wooden spoon, noting that Wellington are looking competitive, might lift them, but after tonight’s performance, that is doubtful.
A big win for the Victory tonight, in a weekend that has highlighted what an exciting season 2017/18 has been for the A-League.
Melbourne Victory 5
Central Coast Mariners 2
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