Central Coast Mariners
Bluetongue Stadium
Friday, 3 Sep 2010
10:00PM NZT
Melbourne Victory
Preview: Central Coast v Melbourne Victory
Date: Friday September 3
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST
Venue: Bluetongue Stadium
Head-to-head
Played 15: Wins: Melbourne Victory 7, Central Coast 5, Draws: 3
Previous Meeting
Central Coast Mariners 0, Melbourne Victory 3, Bluetongue Stadium, December 2009
History
Matches between these two teams have traditional produced a lot of goals - 27 in the past eight encounters and they have generally favoured the away team. Melbourne have not lost in Gosford since 2007, while Central Coast won both games at Etihad Stadium last season by an aggregate of 6-0.
Season So Far
Central Coast: DLDW
Melbourne Victory: WDLD
Match Committee
Central Coast coach Graham Arnold loses Patricio Perez for this match, controversially suspended for his 'dive' against Sydney and has included both Brad Porter and Matthew Lewis. Matthew Ryan is in a battle for the goalkeeping position with new recruit Paul Henderson.
Melbourne will probably be without Evan Berger, who has a corked hamstring, with Billy Celeski or Tom Pondeljak likely to come back into the squad. Ricardinho is still waiting for a clearance, while Nick Ward has departed the club for Wellington.
Danger men
Michael McGlinchey - The Kiwi midfielder has caused plenty of headaches for Melbourne in the past and will be crucial to Mariners' hopes of getting control of the middle of the park and supplying to a powerful strike-force minus the touch of Perez.
Carlos Hernandez - There were signs against Gold Coast last week that the Costa Rican was starting to find form as he directed traffic going forward and put a few shots on goal himself. His Johnny Warren Medal winning-form is not that far away.
At the end of the day….
It was interesting to see Melbourne opt for a more defensive approach last week after taking an early lead. Coach Ernie Merrick has admitted that his young strike force of Robbie Kruse and Mate Dugandzic will take time to get used to each other and perhaps the usually forthright Victory have opted to use their experience at the back to control the play and put less pressure on their inexperienced pair up front.
The Mariners were fortunate to get a point last week and they have certainly lost their way a little since their opening win over Melbourne Heart. This is just their second match at home, having drawn their previous encounter against Adelaide and Arnold will be hoping on an improvement in the home form from last year, where they managed just three wins.
Despite a history of these two teams producing goals, this one might end up being a tight contest with few clear cut chances. Class might prove a point of difference, which means you’d probably just lean to the visitors.
TEAMS:
Central Coast Mariners squad: 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK, 30. Paul HENDERSON (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Brad PORTER (returns from injury), Matthew LEWIS (promoted)
Out: Patricio PEREZ (suspended – two weeks)
Unavailable: Jess VANSTRATTAN (knee – season)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 21.Robbie KRUSE, 23.Adrian LEIJER, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY
*three to be omitted*
In: 17.Matthew FOSCHINI (promoted), 14. Billy CELESKI (returns from injury), 15.Tom PONDELJAK (promoted)
Out: 22.Nick WARD (transferred to Wellington Phoenix)
Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee), Matthew KEMP (knee)
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST
Venue: Bluetongue Stadium
Head-to-head
Played 15: Wins: Melbourne Victory 7, Central Coast 5, Draws: 3
Previous Meeting
Central Coast Mariners 0, Melbourne Victory 3, Bluetongue Stadium, December 2009
History
Matches between these two teams have traditional produced a lot of goals - 27 in the past eight encounters and they have generally favoured the away team. Melbourne have not lost in Gosford since 2007, while Central Coast won both games at Etihad Stadium last season by an aggregate of 6-0.
Season So Far
Central Coast: DLDW
Melbourne Victory: WDLD
Match Committee
Central Coast coach Graham Arnold loses Patricio Perez for this match, controversially suspended for his 'dive' against Sydney and has included both Brad Porter and Matthew Lewis. Matthew Ryan is in a battle for the goalkeeping position with new recruit Paul Henderson.
Melbourne will probably be without Evan Berger, who has a corked hamstring, with Billy Celeski or Tom Pondeljak likely to come back into the squad. Ricardinho is still waiting for a clearance, while Nick Ward has departed the club for Wellington.
Danger men
Michael McGlinchey - The Kiwi midfielder has caused plenty of headaches for Melbourne in the past and will be crucial to Mariners' hopes of getting control of the middle of the park and supplying to a powerful strike-force minus the touch of Perez.
Carlos Hernandez - There were signs against Gold Coast last week that the Costa Rican was starting to find form as he directed traffic going forward and put a few shots on goal himself. His Johnny Warren Medal winning-form is not that far away.
At the end of the day….
It was interesting to see Melbourne opt for a more defensive approach last week after taking an early lead. Coach Ernie Merrick has admitted that his young strike force of Robbie Kruse and Mate Dugandzic will take time to get used to each other and perhaps the usually forthright Victory have opted to use their experience at the back to control the play and put less pressure on their inexperienced pair up front.
The Mariners were fortunate to get a point last week and they have certainly lost their way a little since their opening win over Melbourne Heart. This is just their second match at home, having drawn their previous encounter against Adelaide and Arnold will be hoping on an improvement in the home form from last year, where they managed just three wins.
Despite a history of these two teams producing goals, this one might end up being a tight contest with few clear cut chances. Class might prove a point of difference, which means you’d probably just lean to the visitors.
TEAMS:
Central Coast Mariners squad: 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK, 30. Paul HENDERSON (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Brad PORTER (returns from injury), Matthew LEWIS (promoted)
Out: Patricio PEREZ (suspended – two weeks)
Unavailable: Jess VANSTRATTAN (knee – season)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3.Mate DUGANDZIC, 5. Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13.Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Matthew FOSCHINI, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 21.Robbie KRUSE, 23.Adrian LEIJER, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY
*three to be omitted*
In: 17.Matthew FOSCHINI (promoted), 14. Billy CELESKI (returns from injury), 15.Tom PONDELJAK (promoted)
Out: 22.Nick WARD (transferred to Wellington Phoenix)
Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee), Matthew KEMP (knee)
League Position
Top Scorers
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
Discipline
| Yellow | Red | Total |
| Yellow | Red | Total |
93:00
Full Time: although Melbourne controlled possession for much of the match they lacked polish in their final third & have gone down 2-nil, the Mariners will now surge to 3rd place on the table.
92:00
Mrdja is on strike, he has plenty of time & looks to pinpoint Porter, however he rushes his kick & Melbourne are able to clear- Mrdja should have done better to get the ball to Porter.
90:00
3 minutes of extra time has been added.
89:00
The Mariners make another substitution in an attempt to run the clock down, Porter comes on for Simon.
88:00
Kruse comes sliding across with a late challenge on McGlinchey & receives a yellow card.
86:00
Time is running out for Melbourne as the Mariners maintain their 2-nil lead.
85:00
Leijer with the header in defence, however it goes to the advantage of McGlinchey, he has space as he closes in on goal however he gets too much on his kick & it goes wide.
83:00
The Mariners make a substitution with goal scorer McBreen receiving a standing ovation as he is replaced by Mrdja.
83:00
The Mariners make a substitution with goal scorer McBreen receiving a standing ovation as he is replaced by Mrdja.
82:00
Victory are currently holding onto the ball in their final third, but are still unable to break the Mariners' defence.
81:00
A change could be imminent for the Mariners with Mrdja starting to warm up.
80:00
Kruse with the cross, however it is a very poor kick & it sails over the cross bar & does not challenge Ryan the slightest.
78:00
The Central Coast players are looking like they are starting to tire.
77:00
The Victory corner is this time taken by Dugandzic, he sends it to the far post & Vargas gets head to ball but once again the header goes to the right of the net & out for a goal kick.
76:00
Rose with the cross looking for McBreen, however he gets too much on the kick & Brebner takes possession.
74:00
Again it's Hernandez on the counter attack, he delivers the ball but it only gets as far as Rose, Rose combines with Simon & the Mariners work the ball out of their half.
73:00
Ryan receives a yellow card for time wasting.
72:00
Hernandez continues to find space, but will he be able to hurt the Mariners?
70:00
Hernandez with a beautiful cross to the centre of the 6 yard box, Ricardinho is one on one with Ryan, he gets head to ball but it goes wide- it was a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY, the cross was PERFECT!
68:00
The Mariners are struggling to hold possession of the ball, however Melbourne are not making them pay!
66:00
Hernandez to take Victory's 4th corner of the match, it's an outswinger & he finds Muscat, he has plenty of time to take his shot but he rushes it & his kick is off target!
64:00
Hernandez takes the free, this time his cross is a little more challenging for Ryan who is forced to come off his line, but the Mariners are still able to clear.
62:00
Rose receives a yellow card after using his body to take Hernandez out of the play, it is the 6th yellow ref Beath has issued tonight!
61:00
We are now in the final 30 minutes of the match and Victory are yet to pressure Ryan.
59:00
Griffiths receives a yellow card for a clumsy tackle on Leijer.
58:00
McGlinchey has been roaming in the middle of the pitch alone on a number of occasions & this has allowed him to create some opportunities for the Mariners in their final third.
57:00
Celeski on the counter attack, however his disposal is poor & the Mariners are able to clear with ease.
55:00
Leijer receives a yellow card after a very late challenge on Simon.
54:00
Victory make a double substitution as Broxham is replaced by Ricardinho & Pondeljak is replaced by Celeski.
51:00
The Mariners now have a 2-nil lead & it is looking very bleak for Victory who have not been able to capitalise on their opportunities tonight.
50:00
GOAL MARINERS - Simon gets in behind the Victory defence & crosses it from the right, McBreen is in prime position & gets past Muscat with a diving header & beats Petkovic at the near post!
49:00
The Mariners have controlled possession a little better than Victory in the early stages of this half.
48:00
Bozanic with a great run through the middle, he gets away from Sukha & with the side pass looks for McBreen, however McBreen was offside & Victory will take the free.
47:00
Hernandez with the early corner, he delivers it to the near post & Rose attempts to clear, though it comes back out to Hernandez who sends it back in, but this time Rose clears with the header.
46:00
The teams return from the break & the Mariners get the 2nd half underway.
45:01
Half-time: it was a half dominated by Victory, they have controlled possession & have looked more dangerous however the Mariners have the upper hand on the scoreboard leading 1-nil.
45:00
1 minute of injury time has been added to the half.
44:00
We are in the final stages of the half & it seems as though the Mariners are content to run down the clock as they hold possession.
42:00
With just 3 minutes left in the opening half can Victory find an opening to get on the board?
41:00
Hutchinson is well outside the box but he puts the ball on his right- his non preferred foot- & has a long shot but his kick is very wide.
40:00
Melbourne continue to control the ball better but are still unable to finish in front of the net.
39:00
The Mariners with the corner, McGlinchey takes the kick, he delivers it to the near post but Petkovic comes from his line & makes the clean save.
37:00
Hernandez takes the corner, it's a great cross but Hutchinson headers it away, but only as far Pondeljak, he sends it back in & it's a scramble for the ball but Hutchinson eventually kicks it clear.
36:00
Again it is Hernandez on strike, however his kick deflects off the leg of Wilkinson & it goes out for a corner.
34:00
Hernandez is approaches the penalty area, he has a shot from long range but he fails to get distance on his kick & it is easily taken by Ryan.
32:00
Melbourne have started to gel a bit better in the middle third, but are lacking polish when entering their final third.
30:00
The tables have turned since Central Coast have scored, they are now controlling play & the match is being played out in Victory's half.
28:00
The Victory defence are really struggling to defend any delivery from a set piece of play.
26:00
The corner is taken by McGlinchey, it's another great centering cross, Wilkinson is in great position in the centre of the 6 yard box, however he fails to connect & it comes out for a goal kick.
24:00
McBreen receives a yellow card after making physical contact with Vargas, he made no attempt to go for the ball.
23:00
After looking dangerous in the opening 20 minutes, Melbourne are now on the back foot & an equaliser is essential.
21:00
It was poor defending by Kruse, he made no attempt to go with Griffiths & did not read the ball in from McGlinchey very well, but a great goal to the Mariners against the flow of play.
20:00
GOAL MARINERS - a free to Central Coast is taken just outside the penalty box, it's a great cross to the near post, Griffiths is lurking & he gets head to ball & finds the back of the net!
19:00
Victory look dangerous on the counter attack, Hernandez to Kruse, he has Ryan off his line as he has a shot... but it slams into the cross bar & comes back out! Unlucky for Victory!
16:00
Melbourne continue to test the Mariners' defence however they are yet to find an opening.
14:00
Hernandez controls the ball as he approaches the penalty area, with a side pass he finds Vargas, he comes back out to Hernandez who closes in on the net however it's a clumsy shot & is wide.
12:00
Brebner to Muscat, but he's put Muscat under a great deal of pressure on the edge of the box & he gives the ball up however Bojic can't control the ball & Brebner cleverly takes possession.
10:00
Broxham from the sideline, with the short cross to Kruse however Griffiths with a great challenge takes possession in the box, he uses his keeper Ryan & they get out of trouble.
09:00
Victory have started well, they are controlling play & will be looking for an early goal to capitalise on their dominance.
07:00
Hernandez with another free for Victory, it's a deep cross looking for Kruse, however Kruse misjudges the kick allowing the Mariners to clear.
05:00
McBreen looks to create an opportunity for the Mariners, he sends a long ball towards the penalty area but it is well read by Sukha, he cuts it off & Melbourne are out of trouble.
03:00
McBreen with a heavy physical challenge on Muscat, he is lucky not to receive a yellow... Muscat with the free in Victory's half.
02:00
Hernandez with a free to the left of the penalty area, he sends it in to the near post but his kick fails to challenge Ryan & it goes out wide.
00:10
The ref blows his whistle & Victory get things rolling with the kick off.
00:00
Welcome to Bluetongue Stadium for the clash between Central Coast & Melbourne Victory, we are just minutes from kick off.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 6 | Shots | 7 |
| 4 | Shots Off | 5 |
| 3 | Corners | 7 |
| 6 | Offside | 2 |
| 18 | Fouls | 14 |
| 5 | Yellows | 3 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
46%
54%
Possession
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 6 | Shots | 7 |
| 4 | Shots Off | 5 |
| 3 | Corners | 7 |
| 6 | Offside | 2 |
| 18 | Fouls | 14 |
| 5 | Yellows | 3 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
46%
54%
Possession
Mariners sink Victory
Rostyn Griffiths and Daniel McBreen scored their first A-League goals for Central Coast as the Mariners picked up their second win of the season against Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Friday night.
Griffiths opened the scoring in the 21st minute before McBreen got the second in the 50th minute in what was a solid 2-0 victory for the Mariners.
Griffiths headed from a Michael McGlinchey freekick for the first goal before McBreen capitalised on a great run and cross from Matt Simon for the second as Central Coast started the second half in fine style.
Melbourne introduced recruit Ricardinho in the 54th minute but he had little impact as the Mariners held firm in defence.
The visitors tried hard but rarely threatened young Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who was given his second A-League start with Paul Henderson on the bench.
Central Coast finished the stronger and could easily have scored a third goal with Oliver Bozanic and McGlinchey firing wide. Melbourne’s best chance to score fell to skipper Kevin Muscat in the 66th minute but his powerful shot sailed over the bar.
Central Coast: 2 Rostyn Griffiths 21’ Daniel McBreen 50’
Melbourne: 0
Crowd: 6829
Griffiths opened the scoring in the 21st minute before McBreen got the second in the 50th minute in what was a solid 2-0 victory for the Mariners.
Griffiths headed from a Michael McGlinchey freekick for the first goal before McBreen capitalised on a great run and cross from Matt Simon for the second as Central Coast started the second half in fine style.
Melbourne introduced recruit Ricardinho in the 54th minute but he had little impact as the Mariners held firm in defence.
The visitors tried hard but rarely threatened young Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who was given his second A-League start with Paul Henderson on the bench.
Central Coast finished the stronger and could easily have scored a third goal with Oliver Bozanic and McGlinchey firing wide. Melbourne’s best chance to score fell to skipper Kevin Muscat in the 66th minute but his powerful shot sailed over the bar.
Central Coast: 2 Rostyn Griffiths 21’ Daniel McBreen 50’
Melbourne: 0
Crowd: 6829
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 6 | Shots | 7 |
| 4 | Shots Off | 5 |
| 3 | Corners | 7 |
| 6 | Offside | 2 |
| 18 | Fouls | 14 |
| 5 | Yellows | 3 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
46%
54%
Possession
93:00
Full Time: although Melbourne controlled possession for much of the match they lacked polish in their final third & have gone down 2-nil, the Mariners will now surge to 3rd place on the table.
92:00
Mrdja is on strike, he has plenty of time & looks to pinpoint Porter, however he rushes his kick & Melbourne are able to clear- Mrdja should have done better to get the ball to Porter.
90:00
3 minutes of extra time has been added.
89:00
The Mariners make another substitution in an attempt to run the clock down, Porter comes on for Simon.
88:00
Kruse comes sliding across with a late challenge on McGlinchey & receives a yellow card.
86:00
Time is running out for Melbourne as the Mariners maintain their 2-nil lead.
85:00
Leijer with the header in defence, however it goes to the advantage of McGlinchey, he has space as he closes in on goal however he gets too much on his kick & it goes wide.
83:00
The Mariners make a substitution with goal scorer McBreen receiving a standing ovation as he is replaced by Mrdja.
83:00
The Mariners make a substitution with goal scorer McBreen receiving a standing ovation as he is replaced by Mrdja.
82:00
Victory are currently holding onto the ball in their final third, but are still unable to break the Mariners' defence.
81:00
A change could be imminent for the Mariners with Mrdja starting to warm up.
80:00
Kruse with the cross, however it is a very poor kick & it sails over the cross bar & does not challenge Ryan the slightest.
78:00
The Central Coast players are looking like they are starting to tire.
77:00
The Victory corner is this time taken by Dugandzic, he sends it to the far post & Vargas gets head to ball but once again the header goes to the right of the net & out for a goal kick.
76:00
Rose with the cross looking for McBreen, however he gets too much on the kick & Brebner takes possession.
74:00
Again it's Hernandez on the counter attack, he delivers the ball but it only gets as far as Rose, Rose combines with Simon & the Mariners work the ball out of their half.
73:00
Ryan receives a yellow card for time wasting.
72:00
Hernandez continues to find space, but will he be able to hurt the Mariners?
70:00
Hernandez with a beautiful cross to the centre of the 6 yard box, Ricardinho is one on one with Ryan, he gets head to ball but it goes wide- it was a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY, the cross was PERFECT!
68:00
The Mariners are struggling to hold possession of the ball, however Melbourne are not making them pay!
66:00
Hernandez to take Victory's 4th corner of the match, it's an outswinger & he finds Muscat, he has plenty of time to take his shot but he rushes it & his kick is off target!
64:00
Hernandez takes the free, this time his cross is a little more challenging for Ryan who is forced to come off his line, but the Mariners are still able to clear.
62:00
Rose receives a yellow card after using his body to take Hernandez out of the play, it is the 6th yellow ref Beath has issued tonight!
61:00
We are now in the final 30 minutes of the match and Victory are yet to pressure Ryan.
59:00
Griffiths receives a yellow card for a clumsy tackle on Leijer.
58:00
McGlinchey has been roaming in the middle of the pitch alone on a number of occasions & this has allowed him to create some opportunities for the Mariners in their final third.
57:00
Celeski on the counter attack, however his disposal is poor & the Mariners are able to clear with ease.
55:00
Leijer receives a yellow card after a very late challenge on Simon.
54:00
Victory make a double substitution as Broxham is replaced by Ricardinho & Pondeljak is replaced by Celeski.
51:00
The Mariners now have a 2-nil lead & it is looking very bleak for Victory who have not been able to capitalise on their opportunities tonight.
50:00
GOAL MARINERS - Simon gets in behind the Victory defence & crosses it from the right, McBreen is in prime position & gets past Muscat with a diving header & beats Petkovic at the near post!
49:00
The Mariners have controlled possession a little better than Victory in the early stages of this half.
48:00
Bozanic with a great run through the middle, he gets away from Sukha & with the side pass looks for McBreen, however McBreen was offside & Victory will take the free.
47:00
Hernandez with the early corner, he delivers it to the near post & Rose attempts to clear, though it comes back out to Hernandez who sends it back in, but this time Rose clears with the header.
46:00
The teams return from the break & the Mariners get the 2nd half underway.
45:01
Half-time: it was a half dominated by Victory, they have controlled possession & have looked more dangerous however the Mariners have the upper hand on the scoreboard leading 1-nil.
45:00
1 minute of injury time has been added to the half.
44:00
We are in the final stages of the half & it seems as though the Mariners are content to run down the clock as they hold possession.
42:00
With just 3 minutes left in the opening half can Victory find an opening to get on the board?
41:00
Hutchinson is well outside the box but he puts the ball on his right- his non preferred foot- & has a long shot but his kick is very wide.
40:00
Melbourne continue to control the ball better but are still unable to finish in front of the net.
39:00
The Mariners with the corner, McGlinchey takes the kick, he delivers it to the near post but Petkovic comes from his line & makes the clean save.
37:00
Hernandez takes the corner, it's a great cross but Hutchinson headers it away, but only as far Pondeljak, he sends it back in & it's a scramble for the ball but Hutchinson eventually kicks it clear.
36:00
Again it is Hernandez on strike, however his kick deflects off the leg of Wilkinson & it goes out for a corner.
34:00
Hernandez is approaches the penalty area, he has a shot from long range but he fails to get distance on his kick & it is easily taken by Ryan.
32:00
Melbourne have started to gel a bit better in the middle third, but are lacking polish when entering their final third.
30:00
The tables have turned since Central Coast have scored, they are now controlling play & the match is being played out in Victory's half.
28:00
The Victory defence are really struggling to defend any delivery from a set piece of play.
26:00
The corner is taken by McGlinchey, it's another great centering cross, Wilkinson is in great position in the centre of the 6 yard box, however he fails to connect & it comes out for a goal kick.
24:00
McBreen receives a yellow card after making physical contact with Vargas, he made no attempt to go for the ball.
23:00
After looking dangerous in the opening 20 minutes, Melbourne are now on the back foot & an equaliser is essential.
21:00
It was poor defending by Kruse, he made no attempt to go with Griffiths & did not read the ball in from McGlinchey very well, but a great goal to the Mariners against the flow of play.
20:00
GOAL MARINERS - a free to Central Coast is taken just outside the penalty box, it's a great cross to the near post, Griffiths is lurking & he gets head to ball & finds the back of the net!
19:00
Victory look dangerous on the counter attack, Hernandez to Kruse, he has Ryan off his line as he has a shot... but it slams into the cross bar & comes back out! Unlucky for Victory!
16:00
Melbourne continue to test the Mariners' defence however they are yet to find an opening.
14:00
Hernandez controls the ball as he approaches the penalty area, with a side pass he finds Vargas, he comes back out to Hernandez who closes in on the net however it's a clumsy shot & is wide.
12:00
Brebner to Muscat, but he's put Muscat under a great deal of pressure on the edge of the box & he gives the ball up however Bojic can't control the ball & Brebner cleverly takes possession.
10:00
Broxham from the sideline, with the short cross to Kruse however Griffiths with a great challenge takes possession in the box, he uses his keeper Ryan & they get out of trouble.
09:00
Victory have started well, they are controlling play & will be looking for an early goal to capitalise on their dominance.
07:00
Hernandez with another free for Victory, it's a deep cross looking for Kruse, however Kruse misjudges the kick allowing the Mariners to clear.
05:00
McBreen looks to create an opportunity for the Mariners, he sends a long ball towards the penalty area but it is well read by Sukha, he cuts it off & Melbourne are out of trouble.
03:00
McBreen with a heavy physical challenge on Muscat, he is lucky not to receive a yellow... Muscat with the free in Victory's half.
02:00
Hernandez with a free to the left of the penalty area, he sends it in to the near post but his kick fails to challenge Ryan & it goes out wide.
00:10
The ref blows his whistle & Victory get things rolling with the kick off.
00:00
Welcome to Bluetongue Stadium for the clash between Central Coast & Melbourne Victory, we are just minutes from kick off.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 6 | Shots | 7 |
| 4 | Shots Off | 5 |
| 3 | Corners | 7 |
| 6 | Offside | 2 |
| 18 | Fouls | 14 |
| 5 | Yellows | 3 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
46%
54%
Possession
 | Fantasy Sports Sportal gives you the chance to play selector and coach. Pick your Dream Team and take on your friends in Rugby, League, Cricket and Football. | |
 | Have Your Say There's a big community of fellow sports fans in the Sportal Forums. Sign up and share your thoughts and opinions. | |
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Sat 04 Sep
Melb Heart
v
NQ Fury 17:15
Sydney FC
v
Adelaide U 19:30
Sun 05 Sep
Perth Glory
v
Wellington 15:00
Newcastle J
v
Brisbane 15:00
Gold Coast U
v
BYE 23:00
| Pl | F | A | Pts | ||
| Adelaide United | 5 | 10 | 6 | 11 | |
| Perth Glory | 5 | 10 | 6 | 11 | |
| Brisbane Roar | 4 | 2 | 0 | 8 | |
| Central Coast Mariners | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | |
| North Queensland Fury | 5 | 9 | 10 | 5 | |
| Melbourne Heart | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | |
| Melbourne Victory | 5 | 6 | 9 | 5 | |
| Wellington Phoenix | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | |
| Newcastle Jets | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Gold Coast United | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | |
| Sydney FC | 5 | 6 | 10 | 2 |