Central Coast Mariners 0 Perth Glory 1: Marinkovic sends Lowe´s men top

Nebojsa Marinkovic’s stunning free-kick ensured Perth Glory moved top of the A-League table with a 1-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners.

Mariners goalkeeper Liam Reddy was beaten in the 42nd minute when Marinkovic found the top-right corner with a wonderful curling strike from a set-piece.

The hosts were unable to respond, despite dominating possession, as they suffered a third consecutive defeat and the Glory picked up a first regular-season win at Gosford.

Perth were forced to survive a couple of scares in the second half, with Mitch Duke forcing Danny Vukovic into a sharp save and substitute Malick Mane going close in the dying stages.

Duke had also spurned his side’s best opportunity prior to Marinkovic’s goal, after pouncing on a loose ball in the Glory box.

However, Kenny Lowe’s side were able to keep a clean sheet and now hold a one-point lead over Melbourne Victory, Sydney and Adelaide United at the top of the table.