One back-heeled goal and two assists from Luis Garcia has given the Central Coast Mariners a 3-0 win against the Wellington Phoenix in Christchurch
The first half saw both sides create plenty of good attacking openings, but too often the final ball was lacking. The Mariners looked to remain solid defensively away from home, conceding the lion’s share of possession to the Nix and looking to spring forward on the counter-attack. The best chance of the opening period fell to Blake Powell for the home side, forcing a good save from Paul Izzo despite being called back for offside.
However, the match quickly changed complexion in the second half as Luis Garcia, swapped for Francesco Stella at the break, scored one and set up another within eight minutes to put the Mariners two in front.
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The Phoenix did push forward in search of a way back into the match, but a series of desperate tackles from defenders and some inspired saves from Paul Izzo kept the home side at bay long enough for Mitch Austin to score a game-sealing third in the 85th minute, once again set up by Garcia. The home side did pull one back in stoppage time through Blake Powell, but it was only a consolation for Ernie Merrick’s men.
Drought breaks, but still a mountain to climb for Mariners
It was 22 matches between wins on the road for Tony Walmsley’s side, but at long last they were able to secure three points after goals at the start and finish of the second half. Despite the scoreline, it was a far from comprehensive performance, with the team going into their shell following the second goal and drawing unnecessary pressure on their penalty area.
Mitch Austin did secure the crucial third in the closing minutes, but he and Fabio Ferreira faded badly in the second half as usual and once again their opposition were allowed a goal in stoppage time. These issues will need to be rectified in the coming weeks if Tony Walmsley’s side are to lift themselves from the bottom of the table.
Garcia makes the difference
After playing a crucial role in his side’s equaliser last week in a half hour cameo against the Wanderers, Luis Garcia was injected into this match at half-time with almost immediate impact. In just eight minutes, Garcia had found the back of the net for his first A-League goal and set up teammate Storm Roux to put the Mariners two goals up.
The club’s investment in the 37-year-old has had a noticeable impact off the field in terms of media exposure, but the ex-Liverpool man is also showing he has the ability to make an impact on the pitch. Whether Garcia will start next week’s match against Brisbane Roar remains to be seen, but the number ten possesses the clinical edge that is all too often missing from his side’s attacking play.
Phoenix not lost without Krishna
At the start of the season there were fears that the Phoenix would not be able to replace the departed Nathan Burns, but Roy Krishna stepped up to the task. However, with the Fijian international currently enduring a spell on the sidelines the scoring burden has fallen upon Blake Powell and Joel Stevens. Both strikers are young and inexperienced, but their energy and desire to create space and make runs caused problems for the visitors at times.
Powell was rewarded for his efforts with a goal in stoppage time and will hopefully give him additional confidence in the final third as the Phoenix look to break an eight-match winless run against Perth Glory.
Outside90 Player of the Year votes
3 – Luis Garcia
2 – Liam Rose
1 – Paul Izzo
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