Advantage tilts to Mariners in race with Phoenix for men’s A-League honours

The race for the A-League Premier’s Plate has swung back in favour of the Central Coast Mariners after the defending champions beat Western United 2-0 in Melbourne on Saturday.

The result carried the Mariners level on points with the Wellington Phoenix but they sit above the New Zealand club because they have won more games.

The Phoenix went to the top of the table on Friday night, thanks to a stoppage-time winner against Melbourne Victory from defender Finn Surman.

READ MORE: Finn Surman’s last gasp goal takes Phoenix back to the top of the A-League >>>>

The 1-0 win to the Nix ensures they and the Mariners will finish first and second in the regular competition, and only the order is yet to be decided.

Now, there’s two rounds of competition left to decide.

What’s at stake

The club that finishes top of the table after the completion of the 27 rounds of games will win the Premier’s Plate.

For the Phoenix, it would be the club’s first trophy since the club was founded in 2007.

By finishing in the top four, the Phoenix have gained home advantage in the finals play-offs, a set of games to decide who will play in the Championship grand final.

Finishing top of the table would mean the Phoenix would host the grand final if they reached it.

The possibility of a grand final at Sky Stadium over the weekend of May 24-26 has led to the postponement of the annual Wellington Food Show.

The food event was due to be held at the stadium but has been rescheduled for the last weekend in August.

Result

Game played on Saturday April 13, 2024

Western United 0
Central Coast Mariners 2 (Max Balard 51′, Christian Theoharous 80’|

Standings

Run-in for both teams

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