Hutch Ends Year With A Bang
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday January 1, 2009
Central Coast 1
Perth Glory 0 A STUNNING 80th-minute strike from star midfielder John Hutchinson sent the Central Coast Mariners to the top of the A-League table as they overcame a stubborn Perth Glory 1-0 at Bluetongue Stadium last night.While the Mariners dominated the match, it looked like they'd emerge from the game with just a single point after they wasted a host of chances in front of the bumper holiday crowd of 15,546.The result lifted the Mariners into first spot on the ladder until at least the weekend, but they have played at least two matches more than the three teams immediately below them.However, with the top four opening a gap on the teams below, the loss effectively means the Glory - now seven points off fourth - will be playing for pride in the final three weeks.Perth's acrobatic goalkeeper Tando Velaphi was the busiest man on the park as the Mariners continually peppered his goalmouth, but he was finally beaten by the brilliance of Hutchinson, who took a touch before blasting a magnificent strike from 30 metres which bounced off both posts before going in.It was a deserved result for the hosts, who began the game in a flurry when Sasho Petrovski hit the upright in the opening minutes. Strike partner Nik Mrdja had a golden chance moments later following a measured through-ball from Brad Porter, but with the goal at his mercy, the ball bounced at an awkward height and he couldn't get his shot away.Despite that miss, Mrdja looked dangerous early, and his blistering effort from distance offered a stark reminder of why coach Lawrie McKinna had been so patient, although Mrdja did tire as the match wore on.Perth rarely managed to get into any threatening positions, but they occasionally looked capable on the counter-attack, particularly when Jimmy Downey was able to motor down the right hand side.After suffering a slight downturn in form in recent weeks, Mile Jedinak - who will join Turkish club Genclerbirligi next week - was back to his best as he pulled the strings from midfield and patrolled menacingly in front of the back four.However, Perth seemed a little more willing to take the gamble after the break, and the game opened up as both sides went in search of what seemed an inevitable opening goal.Surprisingly, Glory striker Nikita Rukavytsya was switched for Adrian Trinidad, who joined fellow midfielder Victor Sikora to form a makeshift attack for the final half-hour - with the usual emergency option, Jamie Harnwell, still locked in the heart of defence.But it was at the other end where all the action was happening, and it was no surprise when the hosts finally found their way through.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
