The Central Coast Mariners have been able to leapfrog Sydney FC in to second place on the A-League ladder, holding off a dramatic finish from Sydney FC to win the New South Wales derby 3-2.
The Mariners started the brighter side, controlling the opening stages, but it was Sydney FC who should have hit the lead. Scott Jamieson sent in a good ball from Mark Bridge and Bridge used his first touch to be in a good position but fired his strike well over the bar.
The Mariners controlled the half and had their first real chance in the 35th minute as former Mariner Michael Beauchamp failed to clear a through-ball which allowed Bernie Ibini-Isei to speed towards goal, only to be denied by Liam Reddy putting his body on the line to deny the chance.
Just six minutes later Terry Antonis gave away a foul on the edge of the area after fouling Daniel McBreen. John Hutchinson deflected the ball for Patrick Zwaanswijk to unleash a powerful left-footed strike leaving Reddy with no chance and opening the scoring.
Sydney FC lost Terry McFlynn early in the second half, bringing on Bruno Cazarine and attempting to force the pace. It was the Mariners who scored next, however, Mustafa Armini sending the ball wide for Pedj Bojic who found Michael McGlinchey all alone in the penalty area, allowing him a simple finish to silence the crowd and put the Mariners two up.
Sydney FC pulled one back in the 77th minute. Hirofumi Moriyasu sent Bridge through but Justin Pasfield saved Bridge's effort only to send it into the path of Nick Carle who headed the ball into the back of the net to set up a tight finish.
It was shotlived joy for Sydney FC as Troy Hearfield restored the two goal cushion just two minutes later but Sydney FC didn't lie down and they set up a tight finish. Brett Emerton went to ground to earn Sydney FC a freekick in a dangerous earlier, before dusting himself off and sending in a powerful freekick to put Sydney one goal down with two minutes to play.
Sydney FC looked to finish strongly but the Mariners defense stood up well and held firm to run out 3-2 winners.
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