Super-sub Daniel McBreen scored the decisive goal as the Central Coast Mariners secured their first win of the season, defeating Perth Glory at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Super-sub Daniel McBreen scored the decisive goal as the Central Coast Mariners secured their first win of the season, defeating Perth Glory 1-0 at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The crowd of 9,192 was brought to its feet in the 70th minute when former Glory striker McBreen scored after only being on the ground for seven minutes.
Graham Arnold’s men had the best of the early exchanges as Joshua Rose, Bernie Ibini and Mitchell Duke caused headaches down the right.
However, they weren’t able to strike any efforts on goal as Glory held firm.
In the 22nd minute, Perth skipper Jacob Burns went into the book after fouling Mile Sterjovski on the edge of the penalty area.
Mariners defender Patrick Zwaanswijk took the resultant free-kick, but former Mariners stopper Danny Vukovic saved easily down to his right.
A free-kick gave Perth their first play of note on goal after 28 minutes, but Steven McGarry’s header went over the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Liam Miller released the ball down the left channel and Central Coast goalkeeper Mat Ryan raced out of his area and headed the ball out, winning the challenge against Dean Heffernan and giving home fans a slight scare.
Both sides had key players cautioned in the first half with Zwaanswijk booked for the Mariners and Glory pair Burns and Michael Thwaite both picking up yellow cards.
Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury, one of their best on the day, had a golden opportunity late in the first half to open the scoring but his free header from a Sterjovski free-kick sailed well over the crossbar.
McBreen’s game-winner in the 70th minute was set up by Sainsbury, who nailed a pin-point ball from inside his own half.
McBreen controlled the ball with his left foot before slotting home with his right.
In the 78th minute, Mariners defender Pedj Bojic spurned a chance to double the lead when he shot wide.
Five minutes later Perth substitute Nick Ward shot wide with what was Glory’s best chance late on as the Mariners held on for their first win of the campaign.
Bet365 Man of the Match
Trent Sainsbury came of age against the Glory snuffing out dangerous attacks throughout the match and then turned provider with an accurate long ball to give Daniel McBreen his goal.
Central Coast Mariners 1 (Daniel McBreen 70′)
Perth Glory 0
Crowd: 9,192 at Bluetongue Stadium
