Mariners keep minor prem hopes alive
Posted
Updated
Final round ... Vince Lia of Wellington Phoenix attempts to evade the tackle of Mile Jedinak of Central Coast Mariners (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)
Central Coast Mariners staked their claim for the A-League minor premiership with a 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix in Gosford on Saturday evening.
The win was enough to see the Mariners overhaul local rivals Newcastle Jets, who had assumed top spot during the final round of the regular season following their 2-1 triumph over Perth Glory on Friday.
The Mariners leapfrogged the Jets because of a superior goal difference.
The home side secured the points against the Phoenix through goals to John Aloisi - who was playing against his brother Ross for the first time at the senior level - and Adam Kwasnik, the defeat seeing the visitors claim the wooden spoon in their inaugural season.
After a goalless first half, the Mariners got on the scoreboard through Aloisi in the 52nd minute, the Socceroos striker heading a Tom Pondeljak cross past Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss.
The victory was not confirmed until late in injury time however, when Kwasnik goaled after some solid lead-up work from John Hutchinson.
The Mariners will now have to wait upon results from Sunday's fixtures with Sydney FC and Queensland Roar, who are still in the race to claim the minor premiership.
Sydney FC host Melbourne Victory while the Roar travel away to Hindmarsh Stadium to meet Adelaide United.
