Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix defeated Central Coast Mariners 2:1. The match was played in A-League 2022. Goals were scored by A. Rufer 32′, O. Zawada 40′, B. Nkololo 90′. 7 yellow cards were shown. Wellington Phoenix had 45% possession while Central Coast Mariners held 55%. Wellington Phoenix had 8 shots (3 on target) compared to 18 (6 on target) for Central Coast Mariners. Wellington Phoenix made 3 substitutions, Central Coast Mariners made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty cancelled (Lucas Mauragis 15′).
Match Events
Key match events between Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners — 3 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Laws
assist: C. Elliot
assist: P. Ayongo
Match Statistics
Wellington Phoenix had 45% possession against Central Coast Mariners's 55%. Wellington Phoenix registered 8 shots (3 on target) while Central Coast Mariners managed 18 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 5–1. Fouls committed: 18–11.
Lineups
Wellington Phoenix lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under U. Talay, while Central Coast Mariners deployed a 4-4-2 under N. Montgomery.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Wellington Phoenix is 6.83, compared to 6.58 for Central Coast Mariners. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Wellington Phoenix's highest-rated starter is A. Rufer (7.21), while Central Coast Mariners's best-rated player is S. Roux (6.61).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Wellington Phoenix have contributed 3 goals and 4 assists this season, led by A. Rufer (2G). Central Coast Mariners's starters account for 1 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by S. Roux (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Wellington Phoenix deploy 4 defenders rated 6.44 on average, against Central Coast Mariners's 4-man backline averaging 6.61. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Wellington Phoenix field 4 midfielders averaging 7.21, versus Central Coast Mariners's 4 rated 6.54. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Wellington Phoenix start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Central Coast Mariners averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 44% for Wellington Phoenix and —% for Central Coast Mariners. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Wellington Phoenix's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Central Coast Mariners. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Wellington Phoenix's starting XI is 31.7 (youngest: A. Rufer (29), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)), while Central Coast Mariners average 29.0 (youngest: H. Steele (23), oldest: S. Roux (32)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Wellington Phoenix's starters average 9 league appearances each, versus 11 for Central Coast Mariners. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Wellington Phoenix have recorded 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Central Coast Mariners show 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Wellington Phoenix
Central Coast Mariners
Head to Head
Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners have met 2 times — Wellington Phoenix won 1, Central Coast Mariners won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Wellington Phoenix leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 6 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.00 per match (4 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–1 in 2025.
1
Wellington Phoenix
1
Drawn
0
Central Coast Mariners
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 15 Mar 2026