The Central Coast Mariners have firmed as contenders for a top-two finish with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Perth Glory in the A-League.
The match turned in a dramatic 20-minute period in the first half that brought about three goals, a red card and a missed penalty at the nib Stadium in Perth.
The game came to life in the 22nd minute with a Central Coast goal from a corner to Daniel McBreen and just two minutes later the Mariners went 2-0 up when Matt Simon was left unchecked in the box on a well-placed cross and coolly slotted it home.
The Mariners could have put the game away in the 26th minute, but Glory goalkeeper Tando Velaphi pulled off a tremendous penalty save off Simon.
The drama did not end there, though, as Perth veteran Jamie Harnwell received a red card shortly after for an elbow to Simon.
However, Perth did not drop their heads and got a goal back before half-time through Todd Howarth, but neither side was able score in the second half despite their best efforts.
The Mariners now move three points clear of Adelaide in second spot, while the Glory remain second last, two points adrift of Sydney.
Elsewhere, the Melbourne Heart’s chances of securing a spot in the A-League finals took a jolt after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Gold Coast United at AAMI Park.
Brazilian Alex Terra opened the scoring for the Heart in the 17th minute, latching onto Gerald Sibon’s looping header and rounding the keeper before poking the ball home.
Heart’s goal was cancelled out five minutes before half-time by in-form striker Bruce Djite which came against the run of play.
Djite pounced on a measured pass from Bas van den Brink then jinked into the box before driving the ball past Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
While the point moves Heart into sixth spot with 32 points from 26 matches, theirs is only a temporary grip on the place as Newcastle (31 points) have two games in hand.
Gold Coast remains in fourth on 39 points.
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