[monks data]

Australian A-League

Jan 4, 2015 at 6am UK

Central Coast Central Coast Mariners
2-0
Melbourne City Melbourne City

Duke (12', 27')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Velaphi (58')

Match Report

Football

Central Coast Mariners beat 10-man Melbourne City

By Chris O'Keefe, Reporter | 04 January 2015

Mitchell Duke scores twice as Central Coast Mariners beat 10-man Melbourne City to close the gap between the sides to just four A-League points.

Central Coast Mariners closed the gap on sixth-placed Melbourne City FC in the A-League by beating them 2-0 at Central Coast Stadium.

Two goals from Mitchell Duke were enough to see off the visitors, who played the last 30 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of keeper Tando Velaphi.

Mariners players Mitchell Duke, Isaka Cernak, Glen Trifiro and Anthony Caceres celebrate a goal with Melbourne City looking dejected in frame during the round 15 A-League match between the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City FC at Central Coast Stad © Getty Images

Duke gave the Mariners the lead on 12 minutes following Glen Trifiro's precise through ball, which allowed him to slot his effort past an onrushing Velaphi.

The forward then took advantage of confusion in the City back line to beat three defenders and unleash a fierce shot that Velaphi was unable to keep out.

Former Premier League star Robert Koren tried to pull a goal back for the visitors when he found space in the box, but his effort was deflected away from danger.

However, any hopes of a fightback were all but ended before the hour mark when Duke was gifted possession with only the Melbourne keeper to beat.

Unfortunately for Velaphi, he connected with the player, rather than the ball, as he rushed out and was given his marching orders as a result, leaving the Mariners to see out a comfortable victory.