Late Mariners goal increases the stakes for top-of-the-table clash with Phoenix

A stoppage-time goal has kept defending champions Central Coast Mariners within reach of catching men’s A-League leaders Wellington Phoenix.

The Mariners beat Melbourne City 2-1 on Tuesday to move three points behind the Phoenix.

It means the Mariners can take top spot with a win against the Phoenix when they meet at Gosford on Saturday.

Main photo: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, where the Mariners will host the Phoenix. Photo credit: Industree Group Stadium.

A draw or win to the Phoenix will keep the New Zealand club in pole position.

The Mariners were forced to come from behind to beat Melbourne City, needing a penalty and an injury time winner to claim the points.

Watch the highlights

Result

Game played on Tuesday April 2, 2024

Central Coast Mariners 2 (Ángel Torres 54′ pen, Max Balard 90+3′)
Melbourne City 1 (Tolgay Arslan 50′)

What’s at stake

The club that finishes top of the table after the completion of the 27 rounds of games will win the Premiers Plate.

For the Phoenix, it would be the club’s first trophy since the club was founded in 2007.

By finishing in the top four, the Phoenix would gain home advantage in the finals play-offs, a set of games to decide who would play in the Championship grand final.

Finishing top of the table would mean the Phoenix would host the grand final if they reached it.

The possibility of a grand final at Sky Stadium over the weekend of May 24-26 has led to the postponement of the annual Wellington Food Show.

The food event was due to be held at the stadium but has been rescheduled for the last weekend in August.

Fixture

Game to be played on Saturday April 6, 2024

Central Coast Mariners v Wellington Phoenix
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW, 7.30pm (NZT)

Run-in for both teams

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