Jesse Randall of Auckland FC celebrates a goal with teammates during the round-eight A-League Men's match between Central Coast Mariners and Auckland FC at Polytec Stadium. Photo / Getty Images
Jesse Randall of Auckland FC celebrates a goal with teammates during the round-eight A-League Men's match between Central Coast Mariners and Auckland FC at Polytec Stadium. Photo / Getty Images
Auckland FC are back on top of the table with a well-deserved 2-1 away win against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
In the first of a three-game stretch on the road, and with five of the side’s next six away, a 57th-minute header from Sam Gosgrove resecured the leadand was enough for Auckland FC to leapfrog Sydney FC and the Brisbane Roar into top spot for now.
Auckland had plenty of chances in the opening quarter and finally scored in the 20th minute when Jesse Randall claimed his second of the season, set up by a superb Francis de Vries pass.
However, 13 minutes later Central Coast scored against the run of play, courtesy of Callan Elliott heading the ball into his own net. Storm Roux of the Mariners ran clear down the right-hand side before sending in a cross, and Elliott looked to defend the back post and header the ball out but instead put it straight past keeper Michael Woud.
At halftime, Central Coast were sitting level despite not having one shot on goal, while Auckland FC had 10 attempts.
The home side enjoyed more possession and had changes after the break but Auckland FC retook the lead in the 57th minute when a Lachlan Brook cross from the left found Cosgrove, who sent a diving header into the goal – his fourth of the season.
Elliott had a strong game despite the own goal and left the field in the 75th minute as Hiroki Sakai returned to the pitch for the first time since the season-opener.
Auckland FC play Steve Corica’s side Western Sydney Wanderers next Friday before a third trip to New South Wales in three weeks to face second-placed Sydney FC.
