Goals from Nathan Burns and Michael McGlinchey helped Wellington Phoenix secure a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday afternoon.
An own goal by Wellington’s Tom Doyle got the Mariners on the scoresheet first before Michael McGlinchey levelled the scores after pouncing on the rebound following Jeremy Brockie’s penalty miss.Â
Nathan Burns secured the points for the Phoenix in the 54th minute with a tidy finish from close range after a brilliant interchange between Michael McGlinchey and Tom Doyle.Â
WHAT THEY SAID
Michael McGlinchey:  “It was a massive result for us, a bit of a shaky start but we managed to dig deep and get the points. I think we’ve still got a long way to go, we showed in the two games glimpses of what we can do but we’ve been conceding some sloppy goals so we’ve got a lot to work on.”
GOALSÂ
12’ Doyle gets on the end of a ball from Kim Seung-Yong meant for Matt Sim and inexplicably pokes it past Glen Moss into the back of his own net.
35’ Brockie wins a penalty from debutant Jacob Poscoliero before hitting the crossbar with his attempt, but the rebound is headed home by Michael McGlinchey past custodian Liam Reddy who is livid with his defence.
54’ Nathan Burns tucks home a sweeping Wellington move with Doyle’s cross finding Brockie at the back post who heads back across for Burns to smash the ball in.
KEY MOMENTÂ
The away side earned a penalty through striker Jeremy Brockie as he was fouled from behind in the penalty area by debutant Jacob Poscoliero
HIGHLIGHTSÂ REEL
A Nathan Burns goal in the 54th minute was enough for the Phoenix to grab all three points on the Central Coast with his tap in assisted by Brockie’s back post header.
COACH KILLERÂ
Ernie Merrick would be upset with the own goal conceded in the first half but delighted with the way his side wrestled back the momentum and got on the front foot which ultimately led them to victory.
Phil Moss would be unhappy with his side’s inability to defend the penalty after and the way in which his side handed back momentum to the away side through some sloppy play in midfield.
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARDÂ
Both sides would be looking at their defensive structures during the week with both side’s showing some lapses at the back which led to goal scoring opportunities for their opponents. Both squads will also be looking to address their passing inadequacies and ball distribution for their next games.
THE FINAL WORDÂ
The Mariners were quickest out of the blocks controlling the ball and possession which led to Doyle tapping it into his own net, but the Phoenix were allowed back into the contest and took full advantage through goals to McGlinchey and Burns as Wellington controlled large portions of the match and they went on to earn a victory.
The Mariners would feel unlucky with their late surge towards the Phoenix goal drawing blanks. The away side would be happy with the efforts today as they leave Gosford with all three points.
TEAMS:
Central Coast: Reddy, Roux, Bosnar, Poscoliero, Hutchinson, Montgomery (Caceres 64’), Sim, Kim (Trifiro 56’), Duke, Mane, (Fitzgerald 71’)
Subs: Nash, Anderson, Caceres, Fitzgerald, Trifiro.Â
Wellington Phoenix: Moss, Doyle, Durante, Sigmund, Muscat, Riera, Rodriguez, Bonevacia (Fenton 71’), McGlinchey (Lia 85’), Burns, Brockie (Cunningham 79’).
Subs: Italiano, Boxall, Cunningham, Fenton. Lia.
Scorers: Doyle (12’) (OG) McGlinchey (35’), Burns (54’)
Red Cards: N/A
Yellow Cards: Roux (48’), Brockie (77’), Reddy (90’)
Conditions: 20’c dry
Attendance: 7, 237
