Soccer: Phoenix fall to Mariners

Tomas Rogic of the Mariners competes with Manny Muscat of the Phoenix during their round 20 A-League match. Photo / Getty Images

A sensational strike from teenager Tomas Rogic, and a text-book header from Patrick Zwaanswijk were enough for the Central Coast Mariners to down the Wellington Phoenix 2-0 at Bluetongue Stadium.

The victory breaks the Mariners two game A-League losing streak, and also ends Wellington's recent run of good form on the road.

The Mariners dominated the fixture from the opening whistle with Rogic, midfielder Michael McGlinchey and English striker John Sutton, in his A-League debut, all threatening early.

The Phoenix barely threatened in the opening half, with Chris Greenacre's 21st minute volley that sailed over as close as the visitors got.

Rogic broke the deadlock early in the second half with a curling effort from the edge of the area that gave Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston no chance.

From there the Phoenix rallied, with Greenacre drawing a good save from Justin Pasfield before Mariners skipper Alex Wilkinson's crucial challenge halted another promising attack by the New Zealand-based club.

And the table-topping Mariners sealed the win with seven minutes remaining when defender Zwaanswijk headed home his sixth goal of the campaign.

- AAP