Wellington Phoenix gave up a two-goal lead last week in what would have been the perfect start to their season.
The New Zealand club were eventually held to a 3-3 draw by Gold Coast United in very wet conditions in Wellington and would be ruing the fact they were unable to close out the match when it was 3-1.
In the Mariners camp, they were fuming after their 1-1 draw with Adelaide United when there appeared to be a handball in the area in the dying minutes but unfortunately for them, they had to settle for one point even though they were well on top of Adelaide United for most of the 90 minutes.
This is an interesting encounter but Wellington's superior home ground advantage will be enough and Paul Ifill, in his 400th league appearance, will be able to remember a special day.
Verdict: Phoenix 2-0.
Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast MarinersDate: Sunday, 21 August 2010 Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington Local kick-off: 3.00pm (1.00pm AEST) Head-to-Head: All matches (played 9): Wellington Phoenix wins 4, Central Coast Mariners wins 3 (2 draws) Referee: Peter O'Leary
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 3, FS3 HD & Sky Sports 2. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is The Radio Network (Wellington) 1035AM and 96.3 Coast FM (Gosford). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.co.nz
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER, 30. Griffin McMASTER (gk) *two to be omitted* In: Griffin McMASTER (short-term injury replacement), Mirjan PAVLOVIC (promoted), Marco ROJAS (promoted) Out: Jonathan GOULD (injury cover no longer required) Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee - 4 weeks), James MUSA (knee - 1 week), Jade NORTH (overseas - 2 weeks), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs - 8 weeks)
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jess VANSTRATTAN (gk), 2 Daniel MCBREEN, 3. Joshua ROSE, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Patricio PEREZ, 11. Oliver BOZANIC, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 17. Chris DOIG, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Mathew RYAN (gk), 23. Adam KWASNIK *two to be omitted* In: Chris DOIG (promoted), Patricio PEREZ (returns from injury) Out: Nil Unavailable: Nil
