The Central Coast Mariners have got their 2007 Pre-Season Cup campaign off to the best possible start, defeating Hyundai A-League newcomers the Wellington Phoenix 2-0 at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium tonight.

First half goals to Alex Wilkinson and Adam Kwasnik sealed not only three points for the home side, but also one bonus point in light of the Mariners having scored two goals in one match.

New captain Wilkinson was on target for his first goal in Mariners colours in 61 competitive appearances as early as the third minute, before 2006/07 Golden Boot winner Adam Kwasnik doubled the Central Coast’s lead on the half hour with his third Pre-Season Cup goal.

The match was watched by the third largest Pre-Season Cup audience in Mariners history – with all 8,136 spectators on hand donating a gold coin to local charity Give Me 5 For Kids.

Having started their 2005 and 2006 Pre-Season Cup campaigns in identical fashion, the Mariners can now look forward to emulating their past Pre-Season Cup successes, which includes an appearance in the showpiece match of both previous editions.

"The start was good, it was good football, generally we moved the ball well and of course there are things we can work on," said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

"Our fitness was really good considering the field was quite slippery.

"We kept a clean sheet and Danny had very little to do overall so we're very happy."

McKinna introduced two of his seven off-season recruits from the opening whistle, Mile Jedinak and Sasho Petrovski, both of whom looked lively throughout an entertaining tussle against the Hyundai A-League’s newest club, who were reduced to ten men shortly after the break following the dismissal of defender Steven O’Dor.

McKinna also unveiled luckless marksman Nik Mrdja from the opening whistle – Mrdja’s fourth starting appearance at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium in two years, as well as defender Nigel Boogaard, who has been sidelined for all but one minute of the Mariners’ first two Hyundai A-League seasons with glandular fever and osteitis pubis.

Other new signings Dean Heffernan and Greg Owens were both unavailable for selection, the former of which was a late withdrawal with a minor groin strain, while fringe striker Matt Simon was unavailable due to his commitments with the Central Coast Lightning – the Mariners’ official feeder club.

The 2-0 win was the Mariners eighth in all Pre-Season Cup matches and continues an impressive unbeaten streak in the Pre-Season Cup for McKinna’s charges.

The Mariners have not lost a Pre-Season Cup match in regulation time since 2005’s second round loss to Sydney FC, which is, in fact, their only regulation time Pre-Season Cup defeat.

The Central Coast has now gone nine Pre-Season Cup matches without loss in regulation time, and will be keen to ensure this record enters double figures when they travel to Orange next Saturday, 21 July, to take on Group B rivals the Queensland Roar.

"It's always good to score a goal, but for the team it was a good win and a good hit-out for us," said goal scorer Wilkinson.

"Winning the three trial games leading up to this one and then winning tonight – things are certainly looking good."

The Mariners’ 2007 Pre-Season Cup campaign continues next Saturday, 21 July, when they travel to the central west of New South Wales to take on the Queensland Roar at Orange’s Wade Park. Kick off is at 3pm.

Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season are now available for purchase online at www.ccmariners.com.au, or from Rebel Sports outlets at Erina and Tuggerah.

Match Details

Central Coast Mariners Danny Vukovic (gk), Andre Gumprecht (Paul O’Grady 83’), John Hutchinson, Nik Mrdja, Tom Pondeljak, Tony Vidmar (Nigel Boogaard 61’), Matthew Osman, Alex Wilkinson, Adam Kwasnik (Bradley Porter 72’), Sasho Petrovski, Mile Jedinak

Unused Subs Matthew Trott (gk)

Yellow Cards None
Red Cards None
Goals Wilkinson 3’, Kwasnik 31’

Wellington Phoenix Glen Moss (gk), Jeremy Christie, Tony Lochhead, Cleberson (Greg Draper 83'), Vaughan Coveny, Shane Smeltz, Michael Ferrante, Daniel, Steven Old, Steve O’Dor, Royce Brownlie (Felipe 60')

Unused Subs George, Jacob Spoonley (gk)

Yellow Cards None
Red Cards O’Dor 53’
Goals None

Referee Srebre Delovski
Crowd 8,136