A-League wrap: Mariners join Roar on top

The Central Coast Mariners went level on points with A-League leaders Brisbane, after a 2-0 derby win over Newcastle on Saturday.

In a performance that delighted the 10,643 home fans at Bluetongue Stadium, the Mariners led 1-0 at half-time courtesy of a header from Rostyn Griffiths in the 25th minute.

They sealed the three points when Matt Simon scored his fourth goal of the campaign just before the hour mark.

The win means the Mariners have now gone seven matches unbeaten, picking up 19 out of a possible 21 points.

Meanwhile, a late Ben Sigmund header earned Wellington Phoenix a crucial 1-0 win over Perth Glory at Westpac Stadium.

The winner in the 85th minute was the only bright spot in an otherwise scrappy and often ill-tempered encounter where chances for either side were few and far between.

The Phoenix finished with 10 men after substitute Mirjan Pavlovic was sent off for a cynical tackle on Steve Pantelidis from behind deep into stoppage-time.

Finally, rivals Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium.

Archie Thompson fired the Victory ahead with an opportunistic header, but Fabian Barbiero equalised to earn the visiting United a valuable point.