A Michael McGlinchey goal proved enough to move the Wellington Phoenix within one point of the A-league's top six after the home side beat the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 last night.
Phoenix's Michael McGlinchey (L) celebrates the goal with team-mate Alex Rodriguez. Photo: Photosport
McGlinchey was in imperious form on his return from an injury layoff when he scored in the opening 10 minutes to seal the win at Westpac Stadium.
The Phoenix continued to attack and were unfortunate not to add to their lead, particularly in the first half, but in the end the solitary strike proved enough to give the hosts the three points and put them within touching distance of the top six.
The opening pressure paid off in the 10th minute when McGlinchey cut inside from the edge of the box and fired past goalkeeper Paul Izzo at the near post to make it 1-0.
Wellington were then in complete control of the match, passing the ball around comfortably and creating a number of good scoring opportunities.
Despite troubling Izzo on a few occasions, the hosts were unable to apply the finishing touch and went into the break with a one-goal lead despite their play deserving more.
The Phoenix began the second period much as they ended the first with Kosta Barbarouses going close before the hour as he stung the palms of the Mariners goalkeeper from a tight angle.
With 10 minutes remaining Wellington had a golden chance to kill off the contest when Hamish Watson was played through on goal. While he was unable to outpace the last defender, the ball fell invitingly for fellow substitute Adam Parkhouse inside the box, but his well-struck shot was saved by Izzo before again stopping the Phoenix winger.
There was still time before the final whistle for Wellington to add to their lead when Parkhouse was brilliantly released by Watson, yet this time the winger's shot went just over the crossbar after chipping the goalkeeper.
Head coach Des Buckingham was pleased with the result and the performance.
"I thought we deserved the win, I thought we played some really good football, especially in the first half. We should have been more up than we were. But like I said, we managed to come away with three points and that's what today was really about," Buckingham said.
"That's the third clean sheet we've got against the Mariners - it's the fifth clean sheet of the season - that's more I think than we've had in the last couple of years, so we're pleased that the defensive set-up has helped us get another win.
"We've got Victory on Tuesday night, we've got Roy Krishna to come back into the squad, and he'll give us that extra firepower, he's our leading goalscorer and the guy with the most assists and we'll welcome him back into the squad."
