Mitch Austin and Fabio Ferreira star for the Mariners
Both Mariners wingers were their side’s stand-out performers, as they often got in behind the Phoenix defence, with Austin causing debutant Gulley problems on the left and Malta international Muscat struggling to contain the Portuguese number seven. Both of these players had a hand in all of the Mariners key attacks. Ferreira eventually succumbed to cramp in the 70th minute, to be replaced by Josh Bingham, and the hard-working Austin also struggled with cramp late on and was replaced in the 80th minute by Anthony Kalik.
A night to remember for Wellington’s McGlinchey
The kiwi international played his 150th A-League game at the ground of his former club, and scored a crucial goal to cap a memorable all-round performance by the league’s leading chance creator. He stepped up as the leading man for the Nix in this game, as fellow Nix high-performer Bonevacia went missing.
Mariners dominate and put on a spectacle
The stats for passes into the area and goal attempts by the Mariners far exceeded the Phoenix’s, as the New Zealand side struggled to contain the team who have been told to entertain at any cost this season. It seemed at times that the side had a never-ending stream of set pieces in Gosford and if they had put more of their shots on target, they would have won this match. Almost 40 balls into the penalty area yielded an impressive 16 shots on goal, but with only four finding the mark it’s clear the Mariners need to work on their killer instinct.
Outside90 Player of the Year Award
3 – Michael McGlinchey
2 – Mitch Austin
1 – Fabio Ferreira
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