Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick described his side’s 3-0 victory over Central Coast at Gosford on Saturday night as its best away performance of the season.
Merrick was full of praise for his team after the impressive win at Bluetongue Stadium.
While Central Coast created many chances Melbourne looked in control for most of the match.
Carlos Hernandez and Matthew Kemp scored in the second half before Mariners defender Nigel Boogaard finished off a tough night for the home team with an own goal late in the second half.
It was Melbourne’s first win over the Mariners in three attempts this season.
“It’s always important to win, we didn’t worry too much about the two previous matches,” Merrick said.
“In both we didn’t play to our style.”
“This was our best away performance of the season.”
Kemp was delighted after scoring his first goal for Melbourne.
“It was a bit long coming, I’m happy to finally get the duck off my back,” Kemp said.
There was some bad news for Melbourne with midfielder Surat Sukha likely to be out of action for about a month with a hamstring injury. Sukha was carried off just before half-time.
Hernandez was also limping after a late challenge on Pedj Bojic in the first half but should be fit to take on second-placed Sydney in a Round 19 blockbuster at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna said Melbourne was too ‘clinical’ for his team.
“Up until they scored we looked OK,” McKinna said.
“Twenty minutes before half-time they got on top and after the second goal the game was gone.”
Despite conceding three goals the Mariners still have by the far the best defensive record in the competition so McKinna is not in panic mode.