Perth’s horror Hyundai A-League run has extended to a seventh straight loss after Central Coast thrashed the ailing Glory 5-0 at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night.
Goals to Royston Griffiths, Matt Simon, Adam Kwasnik and Matthew Lewis – and an own goal to the hapless Naum Sekulovski – lifted the Mariners into third spot and continued Perth’s alarmingly form slide.
It was the biggest win in Central Coast’s history – a feat made even more remarkable by the fact Graham Arnold’s men were playing just their third game in 29 days.
“I am very happy. We’ve been waiting to do that to somebody,” the Mariners boss said.
“That’s the way I want to play. They played great football.”
“I am over the moon for the boys.”
Skipper Alex Wilkinson added: “That’s going to give us a lot of confidence going forward.”
Despite a lack of football recently – and being forced to play a home game in Sydney due to ground repairs at Gosford – the Mariners looked by far the sharper of the two teams.
Glory were devoid of inspiration, confidence and any great enthusiasm.
Ian Ferguson’s team got what they deserved in the end and one wonders where to from here for the one of the form teams of the early season.
Oliver Bozanic drifted a free kick into the box where the Western Australian-reared Griffiths found himself in acres of space to head home a simple goal to open the scoring on 37 minutes.
The breakthrough had been coming for some time and it was no surprise when the lead was doubled on the hour.
Daniel McBreen muscled his way into the box and unselfishly glided a pass across goal for Matt Simon to complete the simple tap in.
Kwasnik nailed the lid shut with his 20th goal for the club, finishing off some fine lead-up work from Alex Wilkinson and McBreen.
Matthew Lewis’ first Hyundai A-League goal four minutes from time was followed by Sekulovski’s clumsy own goal at the death.
It capped off a tremendous team performance from the Mariners, who were well served by youngsters Matt Ryan, Mustafa Amini and the exciting Matt McGlinchey.
In stark contrast, there was not one positive in the opposing room.
Glory coach Ian Ferguson was livid following another insipid display, coming just six days after Sydney picked up their first – and, to date, only – win of the season at Perth’s expense.
“Tonight’s performance and goals conceded was unacceptable,” an angry Ferguson declared.
“It was embarrassing at times.”
“At times we did look one-paced. The Mariners did look a lot sharper and brighter.”
“The time has come for changes. I’ve persevered and stuck by a lot of players and now I need to get some young blood in there.”
Central Coast 5
Griffiths (37m), Simon (60m), Kwasnik (77m), Lewis (86m), Sekulovski (89m og)
Perth Glory 0
