Classy Perez lifts Mariners over Adelaide

The Central Coast Mariners have recorded a crucial 2-1 victory over Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday night. Patricio Perez and Joshua Rose both netted for the Mariners in the first half before the Reds grabbed a consolation goal late in the match. The fixture was played in extreme heat with drinks breaks needed throughout the game to ensure the players stayed hydrated.

In a battle of the Argentine imports Perez took the spotlight away from compatriot Marcos Flores with his skills inspiring the Central Coast to an impressive performance away from home. Perez scored a goal himself and set up a second to give the Mariners a crucial four point lead of Adelaide in second spot.

Playmaker Perez opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he embarked on a dazzling run through the centre of the park. The Argentinean skipped past his Uruguayan marker Francisco Usucar and his shot was too good for an outstretched Eugene Galekovic in the Adelaide goals.

Perez then turned provider for the Mariners as they doubled the lead before the halftime interval in the 30th minute. Perez found space before laying the ball back to Rose who curled his shot around Galekovic into the bottom corner of the net.

After completely dominating the first half it was more of the same for the Mariners who continued their rich vein of form.

Matt Simon had a glorious chance to add to the goal tally when he was left unmarked at the back post. The talismanic striker couldn’t add to the lead however as he fired his shot straight into the path of Galekovic.

However the best chance of the half fell to Michael McGlinchey in the 71st minute. The former Celtic player mishit his shot from only six metres out allowing Galekovic to parry away.

The Reds found renewed energy late in the game as they began to press heavily to try and find a way back into the match.

Captain Travis Dodd, who has had a turbulent week off the field, showed why he is still an important component for Adelaide with a goal in stoppage time. Dodd was the quickest to react in a penalty box scrap when he smashed to ball into the back of the net.

The Reds continued to press in search for an equaliser, but Dodd’s goal only proved to be a consolation.

The result ensured the strong Adelaide crowd of 12,109 went home in disappointment whilst the Mariners continue their impressive run of form on the road this year.

The Reds now face Gold Coast United in an important match at Skilled Park while the Mariners are also on the road against Melbourne Heart.