Wellington Phoenix have kept touch with the Hyundai A-League top six after edging Central Coast Mariners 1-0 at a rain-sodden Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.
Michael McGlinchey – playing his first match in more than two months due to injury – proved the difference with his first-half strike enough to give Wellington the three points.
In a match played in persistent rain and howling winds, the Phoenix dominated for large periods and should have taken a two-goal advantage into half-time with Roly Bonevacia spurning a gilt-edged chance just before the break.
Wellington continued to dictate terms in the second stanza but failed to make the most of their dominance on the scoresheet with Adam Parkhouse and Kosta Barbarouses wasting opportunities to seal the victory.
Central Coast threw bodies forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser but Phoenix held firm to record their third win over the Mariners this season.
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GOALS
1-0 Wellington Phoenix, Michael McGlinchey, 9’
Roly Bonevacia played the ball to McGlinchey on the edge of the area with the Kiwi international showing great footwork to beat Storm Roux before firing a low drive past the despairing Paul Izzo.
OPTA DATA
– Central Coast Mariners have won just two of their last 23 away games outside New South Wales (D3, L18)
-Wellington Phoenix are now undefeated in their last five home games
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