Wellington Phoenix have beaten Central Coast Mariners to open their account in A-League this season.
Wellington Phoenix have opened their account in A-League this season after defeating Central Coast Mariners 2-1 as Jaushua Sotirio scored the late winner.
The hosts had a bright chance early on in the game as striker Matt Simon failed to place the ball into the nets despite catching the goalkeeper Marinovic off guard.
Ulises Davila put Phoenix ahead in the 15th minute, scoring a precise goal after a brilliant backheel assist from Tomer Hemed.
Mariners were back square right before the half-time as striker Alou Kuol scored a free header from De Silva’s corner kick.
Koul had a similar chance later on in the game but was to no avail in the end.
Central Coast Mariners dominated the second half and Phoenix keeper Marinovic was called into action on many occasions. Oliver Bozanic tested Marinovic with a couple of long-range shots but New Zealand shot stopper was rock solid in the defence.
Despite the dominance of the hosts, substitute Jaushua Sotirio came out of nowhere to score the winner in the eleventh hour as Mariners’ defence was caught napping.
The win marked their first of the season after losing twice and drawing one in their previous games.
Meanwhile, Mariners slipped up their chance to go to the top of the table as they currently trail leaders Brisbane Roar.
