Mariners Gun Down Perth in Wild West

A crazy seven minute spell in the first half yielded two goals, a missed penalty and a straight red card as the Central Coast Mariners won in the west, defeating Perth Glory by two goals to one.

After a mediocre opening, the game kicked into life with 22 minutes gone when former Glory striker Daniel McBreen headed home from close range after a corner dropped into the area. Almost straight from the restart the Mariners doubled their lead as Matt Simon converted a neat cross from Trent Sainsbury.

The visitors weren’t finished there and on 24 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Andy Todd brought down McBreen in the area, picking up a yellow card for his troubles. However Tando Velaphi saved the spot kick from Simon, though in truth it was very poorly struck.

Just when you thought Glory had found their bit of luck, Jamie Harnwell was given a straight red card for a deliberate elbow on Simon. Referee Jarred Gillett again got the decision spot on and it was a stupid piece of indiscipline from the man who has made the most appearances in the purple for Perth.

The hosts dug deep though and actually settled into the game once the madness had died down. Mile Sterjovski was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after 35 minutes when his heels were clipped by Pedj Bojic just outside the six yard area.

Glory’s efforts were rewarded on 38 minutes when Neville swung over a cross from the right that fell to Todd Howarth and he unleashed a sweet half volley that flew past Matt Ryan via the left hand post for an unlikely goal.

The second half began with yellow cards for Rostyn Griffiths and Oliver Bozanic and Perth enjoyed plenty of possession, frustrating their opponents. On 60 minutes Robbie Fowler broke free down the left and set up Tommy Amphlett but his goal bound effort was blocked wide for a corner.

Amphlett again had a glorious opportunity to draw his side level with 70 minutes gone. Adriano Pellegrino floated a wonderful ball into the area and Fowler supplied the cushioned knockdown but the young winger’s strike went just wide.

The Glory faithful were in full voice when Dutch midfielder Viktor Sikora made his return after 13 months out of the game with a hip problem, replacing Fowler. Adam Taggart, just 17 years of age, was introduced late on and he was given a sight of goal deep in injury time but could only fire straight at Ryan.

As the game headed into its final minute, Glory were reduced to nine men when Adriano Pellegrino was shown a second yellow card for hauling down Michael Baird after his attempted header back to Velaphi fell short.

Central Coast held on for the three points but Perth interim coach Ian Ferguson will have been pleased with the spirit and effort shown by his side in the second half.

Perth Glory: T Velaphi, S Neville, A Todd, J Harnwell, J Mitchell, T Howarth, S McGarry, R Fowler, M Sterjovski, T Amphlett, A Pellegrino.

Subs: A Pearson, V Sikora, A Taggart, H Fondyke.

Central Coast Mariners: M Ryan, P Bojic, C Doig, T Sainsbury, A Wilkinson, R Griffiths, M McGlinchey, O Bozanic, J Hutchinson, D McBreen, M Simon.

Subs: P Henderson, M Baird, M Amini, M Lewis.