Soccer: McBreen magic helps sink Glory

Daniel McBreen celebrates scoring a goal against his former side the Perth Glory. Photo / Getty Images

Former Perth striker Daniel McBreen came back to haunt his old club as Central Coast posted a 2-1 A-League victory over a determined nine-man Glory at nib Stadium on Wednesday night.

McBreen, who recorded five goals in seven appearances for the Glory last season, scored a first-half goal and won his team a penalty as the Mariners surged into outright second spot on the table, three points clear of third-placed Adelaide.

Matt Simon also got on the scoresheet but was left to rue a missed penalty in the 26th minute that would have given the Mariners a 3-0 cushion.

Instead, Glory pulled the deficit back to 2-1 through Todd Howarth's 37th minute strike, despite being down to 10 men after Jamie Harnwell's straight red nine minutes earlier.

Perth actually looked the more likely team to score after Harnwell's sending off, defending staunchly while creating several promising chances up front.

But the Mariners' early onslaught was enough to secure the three points, putting them in the box seat to finish second by season's end.

Perth ended the match with just nine players on the pitch after Adriano Pellegrino was red-carded for two bookable offences in the final minute of the match.

In a frenetic first-half, McBreen silenced the crowd with a headed goal in the 22nd minute before Simon doubled the lead one minute later after jabbing home from close range following a pin-point cross in front of goal.

And it should have been 3-0 in the 26th minute when Simon stepped up to the spot after McBreen was brought down in the box by Glory defender Andy Todd.

But Perth goalkeeper Tando Velaphi pulled off a good save low to his right to keep the home side in the contest.

The drama continued in the 29th minute when Glory stalwart Harnwell was shown a straight red after his swinging elbow collected Simon on the side of the head.

Despite being down a man, Perth kept their attacking mindset and got due reward through Howarth, who smashed home a powerful strike at the far post following a clever headed flick from Mile Sterjovski.

The second half didn't feature any goals but there were chances galore for both sides, with Perth in particular having several clear-cut shots on goal.

But they couldn't find the finishing touch, with Pellegrino's second yellow for a foul on former Glory striker Michael Baird capping off a disappointing night.

- AAP