Auckland have moved to the top of the Isuzu Ute A-League table after a strong 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners at polytec Stadium.
Sam Cosgrove’s powerful diving header settled the occasion for the Black Knights just before the hour mark, after Callan Elliott’s unfortunate own goal had earlier cancelled out Jesse Randall’s 20th minute opener.
Francis de Vries and Lachlan Brook were the architects of Auckland’s victory, both of them constantly challenging the CCM defence with pace, directness and skill.
Christian Theoharous probed regularly for the Mariners, while Storm Roux’s 33rd minute cross was so good that Elliott had to intervene and found the back of his own net.
The spirited Mariners had to play the last few minutes of the game after losing Arthur de Lima to what appeared to be a hamstring injury just two minutes after he had come on.
ALEX TOBIN MEDAL VOTES:
3. Sam Cosgrove
2. Lachy Brook
1. Francis de Vries
