Daniel McBreen of the Mariners celebrates his goal against Sydney FC. Source: Getty Images
A GLUT of second-half possession went begging as Sydney FC ended its record four-game winning streak with a 1-0 loss to Central Coast tonight.
Having contained the damage to a lone goal from Daniel McBreen in the first half as the Mariners dominated, the Sky Blues - minus legendary, injured striker Alessandro Del Piero - could find no answer in the second term despite grabbing momentum.
Reigning champion Central Coast was sharp, slick and impressive in the first half, which culminated in McBreen's 26th minute goal. It was a welcome three points for the home side at Gosford, and for new head coach Phil Moss after a lethargic draw against Melbourne Victory last weekend.
Frank Farina's Sydney never genuinely threatened Central Coast's goal with Del Piero missing and extended their drought in Gosford to five years, even as the Mariners waned and allowed them back into the game in the second half.
In his first start after two goals in as many games off the bench, newly-signed Sky Blues striker Ranko Despotovic was lively but could not find the net as Central Coast's defence remained compact and resolute.
The Mariners had the best of the possession early, with outstanding young right-back Storm Roux linking well with Mitchell Duke down the right flank. Playmakers Michael McGlinchey and Marcos Flores also combined nicely.
McBreen broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a beautiful touch home off his left instep, thanks to a precise ball from Josh Rose after he was found in space by Michael McGlinchey.
The reigning A-League Golden Boot winner, in just his second start back after a loan spell in China, roared with delight after notching his first goal of the season.
Left-back Rose had seen a shot blocked just seconds earlier, after Roux did wonderfully well to win the ball back in the box and tee up his teammate.
The Mariners' ball movement reached the heights of a glorious last season after the opening goal, with McGlinchey and Flores central.
Former Mariner Pedj Bojic got a sight on goal in the 37th minute after some nice lead-up play from Despotovic and Joel Chianese, but after a heavy first touch could only offer a tame shot.
Matt Thompson highlighted the frustration of Sydney FC when he was booked for a rough challenge on McGlinchey.
Central Coast Mariners team mates celebrate a goal against Sydney FC. Source: Getty Images
Despotovic tried to spark his side a wonderful run down the left in the 39th minute, yet it came to nothing on the edge of the box. The 41st minute saw Flores fire just wide after a deft pass into the box from McGlinchey.
McBreen had a horror miss in the 43rd minute, when he was found completely alone at the far post with the goal at his mercy, only to head the ball straight into the ground from a few metres out and bounce the ball over the bar.
The Mariners started the second half brightly, yet Sydney went on to take charge of the term.
Sydney had a period of sustained possession that culminated with an Ali Abbas header in the 58th minute, yet it flew tamely to Reddy to relieve the pressure.
Daniel McBreen of the Mariners contests the ball with Matthew Jurman of Sydney FC. Source: Getty Images
Farina withdrew Thompson in the 62nd minute, adding pace in the form of Panamanian striker Yairo Yau. The Sky Blues were by then enjoying the lion's share of possession.
Yet a minute later a beautiful lobbed pass from Flores sent Duke clear, though his cutback to McGlinchey resulted in a well-blocked shot. The Mariners continued to enjoy chances on the break throughout the half.
After coming on for Flores, who suffered an ankle knock, Matt Simon nearly iced the game for the Mariners in the 79th minute. He was sent clear by a beautifully weighted ball from fellow substitute Mile Sterjovski, but could not beat a diving Janjetovic.
Storm Roux of the Mariners contests the ball against Richard Garcia of Sydney FC. Source: Getty Images
Former Sydney captain Terry McFlynn came on for Nick Carle and fired an 82nd minute shot that was easily covered by Reddy. McFlynn copped a yellow card, his 50th A-League card, shortly after for clattering Montgomery.
Simon found space again in the 87th minute but a great Matt Jurman tackle in the box saved Sydney.
Sterjovski came agonisingly close with a classy left-foot shot in stoppage time, which hit the inside of the post and somehow stayed out. McGlinchey fired another shot shortly after to force a save from Janjetovic.
The Mariners finished the stronger side and took the full three points to jump to fourth for the time being on the A-League ladder. Sydney FC remains third.
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