- David Ball - 27'
- Matt Simon - 40'
- Oliver Bozanic - 50' Pen
A-League leaders Central Coast Mariners down Wellington Phoenix
Goals either side of half-time ensured high-flying Central Coast Mariners eased to a 2-0 win against 10-man Wellington Phoenix in Wollongong.
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Veteran striker Matt Simon broke the deadlock five minutes before the break and captain Oliver Bozanic slotted home a penalty soon after the restart for a winning margin that could have been far greater.
The Phoenix were on the back foot from midway through the first half when forward David Ball was dismissed for a wild and unnecessary lunge on Simon.
The contest was effectively over with Bozanic's penalty conversion and only a string of second-half saves from Phoenix goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic kept the scoreline down.
The Mariners looked confident throughout the contest with central midfield pair Bozanic and Danny De Silva a constant threat with their movement and sharp passing.
The Mariners missed several clear second-half chances, most notably in the final minutes as substitute Alou Koul pushed a golden opportunity wide.
It was a sixth win from eight starts for the Mariners and a third in succession for last season's wooden-spooners.
Game Information
Australian A-League Men Standings
Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Auckland FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +5 | 9 |
Melbourne Victory | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 7 |
Sydney FC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
Melbourne City FC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Adelaide United | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
Wellington Phoenix FC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Macarthur FC | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +3 | 3 |
Newcastle Jets | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Central Coast Mariners | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Western United | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -1 | 2 |
Western Sydney Wanderers | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
Perth Glory | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -7 | 1 |
Brisbane Roar | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 |