The Central Coast Mariners Isuzu Ute A-League Men's side tonight dominated Adelaide United in Adelaide with a 4-nil win.
The first 30 minutes saw the Mariners on top of their opponents but it was in the 31st minute that the Mariners took charge with their first goal.
The move started with a fast break by Angel Torres who made space and passed the ball out to Christian Theoharaus on the right. Theoharaus shaped to go right of Adelaide defender Kitto but cut back onto his left-foot and sweetly struck the ball that curled inside of the left-hand upright.
In the 43rd minute, the Mariners had their second but this time Torres was the scorer, not provider. Torres received the ball form Mikael Doka at the top of the box and with two defenders in front of him, Torres shaped left and placed the ball perfectly into the top left corner of the Adelaide goal.
The game seemed to be headed for a 2-nil scoreline for half-time but Torres had other ideas in the second minute of extra time for the first half. Torres was positioned on the left side of the penalty box, totally unmarked. Max Balard laid the ball out to Torres who beat the nearest defender, shooting with his left foot into the top right-hand corner.
Half-time score was 3-nil.
The second half saw both teams have opportunities. Adelaide's best chance was when attacker Hiroshi Ibusuki struck the crossbar in the 56th minute.
The Mariner's defence hung on tight and in the 90th minute they were awarded a penalty. Bailey Brandtman was substituted on for the Mariners and 2 minutes after coming on, he drove into the Adelaide penalty box and was fouled from behind to earn the penalty. Jing Reec stepped up and converted the penalty.
This win takes the Mariner's Men up to 2nd position on the Isuzu Ute A-League Men's ladder and positions them well for their next match against ladder leaders Wellington Phoenix. If the Mariners win that match against Wellington it will take them to the top of the ladder.
The match against Wellington Phoenix is to be played at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, 6th February. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00pm (AEDT).