Mariners’ title defence on track after impressive win

The Central Coast Mariners have all but assured their passage to the semi finals of the Pre-Season Cup after downing the Melbourne Victory 3-1 at Olympic Park this afternoon.

In what was another encouraging display from the Mariners, goals to Adam Kwasnik, Paul O’Grady and Noel Spencer were enough to cancel out Archie Thompson’s third minute opener and earn the Mariners three points that place them at the top of Group A, with group rivals Adelaide United and Perth Glory still to play in round three.

Mariners Football Manager McKinna made three changes to the starting eleven that played out a draw against reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers Adelaide United in Orange, with Stewart Petrie, Andrew Clark and Matthew Osman replacing Bradley Porter, Andre Gumprecht and Oliver Bozanic.

McKinna was understandably contented with his charges’ showing against a full-strength Melbourne Victory line up that boasted a host of former and current Socceroos, but warned his side has plenty to improve upon ahead of the season proper.

"We took a while to get started but we finished the first half strongly and I thought we dominated the second half," said McKinna.

"Everyone did their job fantastically and this type of performance is exactly what we’re after at this stage of the season."

It was not all smooth sailing for the Mariners, however, as they found themselves a goal down inside three minutes.

Socceroo striker Thompson finished off some fine lead up work from Danny Allsopp to hand the Victory the lead, although, as has become commonplace in matches between the Mariners and the Victory, the side that opened the scoring ultimately lost the match.

Kwasnik’s reply prior to half time came was added to by O’Grady and Spencer after the break, continuing the bizarre trend of results in matches between the Mariners and the Victory where in five matches since August 2005, including today’s fixture, the side that has scored first has gone on to lose the match on four occasions.

Kwasnik’s strike continued the 23-year-old’s amazing goal scoring form, which has delivered two goals in the Pre-Season Cup thus far, as well as six in pre-season trial matches.

Defender O’Grady’s goal was his first in Mariners colours, while captain Spencer netted arguably the goal of the match after volleying home a neat Kwasnik lead up and cross that showcased the undoubted on the ball skill of the Mariners’ South American inspired marksman.

"Some of the play in the second half was tremendous and our goals, particularly Spencer’s, were a treat to watch," said McKinna.

"We’ve set our standards for 2006/07 very early in this Pre-Season Cup competition and with so many players still yet to from injury, things are looking good for our second season, but we’re not getting carried away just yet.

"Next week is another game and we need to improve again to match it with a very tough Queensland team who always provide us with a tough contest."

The Mariners are next in action at Toowoomba’s Clive Burghoffer Stadium against the Queensland Roar in the bonus round of the Pre-Season Cup on Sunday, 6 August. Kick off is at 3:00pm.

During the ‘Bonus Round’ of the Pre-Season Cup, the points system will remain the same as the first three matches (three points for a win, one point for a draw, zero points for a loss), however, with the additional inclusion of goal related bonus points per team are as follows: one bonus point for two goals scored by a team, two bonus points for three goals scored by a team & three bonus points for four or more goals scored team.

The Mariners’ next scheduled home match is their opening 2006/07 A-League fixture at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium against the Queensland Roar on Saturday, 9 September. Kick off is at 7:00pm.