Mariners continue Knights misery
Central Coast handed the New Zealand Knights their seventh consecutive A-League defeat with a 3-1 win at North Harbour Stadium.
Striker Stewart Petrie scored twice in the second half to break a 1-1 halftime deadlock and give the Mariners their fourth victory of the season.
Dean Heffernan put the visitors in front after just four minutes only for the Knights to equalise through a Simon Yeo penalty kick two minutes later.
After watching his side lose 2-0 to the Knights early in the season - New Zealand's only win of the season so far - Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna admitted to thinking "not again" with the scores locked 1-1 at the half.
"The last time they caught us on the break," McKinna said.
"Tonight the first half New Zealand came at us more than we were going at them. I was worried about this game, especially after last time. I'm glad we only come here once.
"To me they were the better team in the first half."
The Knights stared brightly, but were caught out on the counter attack in the fourth minute.
After clearing a New Zealand corner, the Mariners charged upfield. Dean Heffernan sliced through the Knights defence with ease and then celebrated as his strike ricocheted off Knights keeper Danny Milosevic and into the net.
Central Coast's celebrations were shortlived however as Simon Yeo earned his side a penalty attempt just two minutes later.
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