Wellington Phoenix
2
Match Complete
Central Coast Mariners
1
| M. Steinmann |  | 86' | ||
| S. Marinovic | | 84' | ||
| C. Devlin | | 50' | ||
| 46' |  | L. DeVere | ||
| 39' | | K. Rowles | ||
| D. Ball | | 29' | ||
| 23' | | J. Clisby | ||
| G. Hooper | | 13' |
| 14 | Shots | 14 | ||
| 6 | On Target | 3 | ||
| 11 | Fouls | 17 | ||
| 4 | Corners | 6 | ||
| 2 | Offsides | 1 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 3 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
The Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners meet at Westpac Stadium in Round 13 A-League action. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEDT).
The worst-kept A-League secret at the moment could well be that the Phoenix are the second-best team in the competition. On a substantial unbeaten run and seemingly destined for finals play under new manager Ufuk Talay, the men in yellow host the men normally in yellow in both teams’ opening match of 2020.
The home side comes into this encounter after another impressive win, this time against Western United, and Central Coast limp towards the contest after being humbled against Perth Glory by three goals in Gosford on Tuesday night. They currently sit tenth on the ladder; five points outside the top six.
The three wins already achieved by Alen Stajcic’s Mariners have been impressive and well deserved, yet as the season approaches its halfway point the road toughens and only the resilient will survive to play football in the knockout matches of late April.
Liberato Cacace, Ulises Davila and Gary Hooper have all impressed in recent weeks for Wellington and the front third of the pitch is beginning to look alarmingly potent for opposition defences.
The Mariners will be relying on the work of Daniel de Silva, Samuel Silvera, Jair and Jordan Murray to provide some of the same creativity up front and with neither side stellar in defence, it is where the game will most likely be decided.
In team news, the home side welcome back Alex Rufer and Kye Rowles comes back into the visitors’ squad.
Prediction
Wellington should win at home in what could be their best-attended match of the season should the weather be kind. Central Coast slipped a little last week and were poor against Perth at times. With the extra travel and a short turnaround, I cannot see them getting the prize against a confident Phoenix.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 5pm (AEDT).
Game information
Kick-off: 5pm (AEDT)
Venue: Westpac Stadium
TV: Fox Sports, ABC
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, MyFootballLive app
Betting: Wellington $1.67, Central Coast $4.75, draw $4.10
Wellington Phoenix squad
1. Stefan Marinovic (GK), 2. Liam McGing, 3. Luke Devere, 4. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, 5. Matti Steinmann, 6. Tim Payne, 7. Reno Piscopo, 8. Cameron Devlin, 9. David Ball, 10. Ulises Davila, 11. Jaushua Sotirio, 13. Liberato Cacace, 14. Alex Rufer, 20. Oliver Sail (GK), 21. Callum Mccowatt, 23. Walter Scott, 27. Steven Taylor (c), 31. Ben Waine, 32. Sam Sutton, 88. Gary Hooper
Central Coast Mariners squad
1. Mark Birighitti (GK), 2. Ian Zygmunt Gordon, 3. Jack Clisby, 4. Eunsun Kim, 6. Giancarlo Gallifuoco, 7. Milan Ðurić, 9. Jordan Murray, 10. Tommy Oar, 11. Daniel de Silva, 12. Adam Pearce (GK), 15. Kye Rowles, 16. Dylan Fox, 17. Samuel Silvera, 18. Gianni Stensness, 19. Matthew Simon, 21. Ruon Tongyik, 26. Joshua Nisbet, 27. Lewis Miller, 29. Jair Britto, 30. Dylan Ruiz-Diaz
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
The Phoenix showing it takes a new coach a little time to get used to his players and vice versa. Wellington are now firing on all cylinders. I look forward to seeing them face Sydney FC.
Roberto B
Guest
they've strung a few wins together, and have jumped ahead of WU with a game to spare, they're in a pretty good position right now
hog
Roar Rookie
Now that was a handy victory for the Pheonix.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The Wellington Phoenix have defeated the Central Coast Mariners to further push their top six A-League claims. On a beautiful afternoon in Wellington, the Phoenix took the lead after a 13th minute goal to Gary Hooper before doubling the lead in the 29th when David Ball also found the back of the net. The Mariners were far from hopeless and had chances of their own, yet were unable to penetrate the home side's defence and looked likely to go into the half time break two goals down. Luke Devere was to provide the perfect source of hope for the visitors on the cusp of half-time and the dominant performance of the home side reaped less than it potentially could have, as the teams went into the sheds for a drink. In truth, the Mariners were probably the better side throughout the second half, with many chances that were left untaken. The Phoenix also opened up the visitors at the back on numerous occasions but were unable to score. In the end, the scoreless second half was perhaps a fair result between two teams who played passionately and competitively throughout the final 45 minutes. The Phoenix march on, undefeated in eight and the Mariners continue to impress the entire A-League community, without getting the points that they deserve at times. Final Score Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yep, Bozza saying CCM finishing not up to it.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What were your thoughts on the game? From here it looked an entertaining and competitive clash between two quality A-League teams. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stevo
Roar Rookie
De Silva should have scored! Nux to 18pts, 4th on the ladder. Well done Ufuk and lads.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the game and be sure to stick around for the Sydney FC vs Adelaide United clash from Kogarah in around 15 minutes. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Onya Nix, what a run they are on after a horrible start to the season.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Well played Wellington and Central Coast, that was a ripping affair. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME The Phoenix have outlasted the Mariners in Wellington. Eight straight games without defeat. They are the real deal. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Coastyboi
Guest
Full respect to the Phoenix. An improved second half from CCM who appeared in control.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+5 Time should be up!!!! Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Nick Symonds
Guest
Good atmosphere. Pity about the stadium.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+4 Seconds remain and the Phoenix look to keep their unbeaten run intact. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+4 Payne is fouled and the Phoenix will look to run some clock here. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+3 Cacace has a strike on goal after the long ball from the back. His shot is blocked. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+3 The Mariners in attack.... the ball into the box is taken by Marinovic. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+2 Central Coast lose control as they play out and Wellington win the throw on the near side. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+1 Corner for the Phoenix. Wellington Phoenix……….2 Central Coast Mariners….1