Phoenix downed at home

ROOTED at the bottom of the A-League table, this was a game both Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners were desperate to win.

However, there can only be one winner and it was the Mariners who left Westpac Stadium smarting after embarrassing the Phoenix 4-1 in front of a small crowd of just 5,679 spectators last night.

The Mariners took the lead in the 39th minute with Andrew Hoole’s corner kick making its way into the back of the net courtesy of the head of Andrija Kaludjerovic. In his attempt to flick the ball clear, Wellington’s striker was only able to make minimal contact and the ball skimmed off his head and landed in the back of the net.

The impressive Daniel de Silva then doubled the visitors’ advantage after Gui Finkler had coughed up possession in a dangerous area with a needless back heel. Connor Pain then directed a low cross into Kwabena Appiah and the ball bobbled out to an unmarked de Silva, who made no mistake with his shot.

Andrew Hoole added to the carnage midway through the second half. Having just made a mockery of the Phoenix midfield with a jinking run, Hoole was teed up at the edge of the box and curled his shot into the top right corner.

A rare positive on a bleak night in Wellington, Dario Vidosic eventually pegged one back for the Phoenix. The goal was his fourth of the season, and with, you guessed it, his head. Vidosic was unchallenged in the box and sprung up to nod Matthew Ridenton’s freekick past Ben Kennedy.