Central Coast Mariners 2
Wellington Phoenix 0
The Wellington Phoenix's stuttering start to the A-League season has continued, losing 2-0 to the Central Coast Mariners in Wollongong, a fourth defeat in six matches to begin their new campaign.
Wellington were forced to play over an hour of the game with ten men after striker David Ball was sent off for a reckless studs-up challenge on Mariners veteran Matt Simon in the 27th minute. The collision left Simon writhing on the turf and there can be little argument with the decision which will see the English striker serve at least a one-game ban and possibly more, given its rash nature.
To make matters worse, ever-present centre back Josh Laws was substituted at the same time having picked up a knock, and his defensive partner Luke DeVere also limped off with a quarter of the game remaining.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay had already made two injury-enforced changes after Israeli marquee Tomer Hemed and combative midfielder Cameron Devlin were ruled out, with attacker Jaushua Sotirio also a month away from returning. Reno Piscopo and Matt Ridenton were elevated to the starting eleven, with Piscopo the pick of Wellington's players on a difficult afternoon.