The Central Coast Mariners secured their first win since round one, defeating the Wellington Phoenix 3-1 at Central Coast Stadium.
The first goal was perhaps a lucky break for the struggling home side, with Josh Rose winning a penalty despite replays showing Manny Muscat had made a legal challenge for the ball. Fabio Ferreira smashed home the spot-kick though, and Tony Walmsley’s side were soon two ahead as Mitch Austin tapped home from O’Donovan’s pass across goal.
However, the Phoenix pulled one back with just over twenty minutes remaining as Blake Powell ghosted in at the back post to put away Matthew Ridenton’s cross. The comeback was short-lived though as Michael Neill pickpocketed Vince Lia before scoring his first A-League goal to put the result beyond doubt for the Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners
Tom Heward-Belle – 6: The 18-year-old made his starting debut for the club due to Izzo’s suspension and was impressive in between the sticks, making some smart reflex saves
Storm Roux – 7: Was a solid defensive display from the New Zealand international, but perhaps not as impressive going forward as usual.
Jacob Poscoliero – 6.5: Caught out in the minutes surrounding the Nix’s goal, but was rarely troubled otherwise by the lacklustre Phoenix.
Harry Ascroft – 6.5: Like Poscoliero had very little work to do in defence.
Josh Rose – 6: Looked suspect when challenged by the pace of Appiah and the Nix fullbacks, saw the delivery for the goal come down his side of the field.
Jake McGing – 7: Covered the ground well in the middle of the park and didn’t shy away from tackles after an unfortunate yellow card in the opening minutes.
Michael Neill – 7.5: Probably one of his best games in a Mariners shirt, despite conceding some niggly fouls in the first half. Took his goal well after a well-timed tackle.
Nick Montgomery – 7: Needed to produce a big performance as the lead creator in the middle of the park with Caceres and Fitzgerald dropped and while not particularly effective on the ball marshalled his troops well to shut down the Nix playmakers.
Fabio Ferreira – 8: Made his return to the starting eleven following two appearances off the bench and was a constant threat to the defence, though on occasion was caught out not tracking back in defence.
Mitch Austin – 8.5: Was one of the most dangerous players on the pitch, taking on players at will. Produced an incredible cross in the lead-up to the first goal and showed great initiative to get to the back post to score himself.
Roy O’Donovan – 4: His first hour of football was some of his best work all season, producing a fine assist for the second goal and being productive in defence. However, his headbutt on Manny Muscat was a brain explosion from a player meant to be a senior figure in the squad.
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Substitutes
Josh Bingham – 5: Failed to excite once coming on, producing a tame effort on goal.
Liam Rose – 5: Came off the bench with a quarter hour to go, but did not create anything substantial.
Dan Heffernan – N/A: Stoppage time change for O’Donovan.
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