Central Coast Mariners end 2015 with win over Wellington Phoenix

Central Coast Mariners celebrated their second goal against Wellington Phoenix.
Ashley Feder/Getty Images

Bottom-of-the-table Central Coast Mariners finished 2015 on a high as they beat Wellington Phoenix FC 3-1 on New Year's Eve.

Fabio Ferreira opened the scoring for the Mariners from the penalty spot after a foul by Manny Muscat.

Mitch Austin doubled their lead on 30 minutes as he slid in Roy O'Donovan's square ball across the box.

Blake Powell pulled one back for the Phoenix, converting from Matthew Ridenton's excellent cross.

The points were sealed for the home side when Michael Neill pounced on a loose ball with 20 minutes remaining.

The result leaves the Mariners four points behind ninth-placed Perth Glory, while the Phoenix are sixth in the 10-team standings.