Central Coast put down Melbourne Victorys

Central Coast have put a frustrating week behind them with a convincing 2-0 A-League win over Melbourne Victory at Bluetongue Stadium.

Goals either side of halftime to Rostyn Griffiths and Daniel McBreen saw the Mariners turn in their best performance under Graham Arnold to continue the Victory's indifferent start to the season.

The win provided a happy ending to a tough week for the club, which had been weighing up legal action following the controversial two-match ban imposed on star import Patricio Perez for diving.

It also capped a memorable night for McBreen, who netted his first goal for the club despite his wife Gabrielle being on the verge of giving birth to their first child.

The former North Queensland and Perth man sealed the win in the 50th minute when he beat Victory captain Kevin Muscat to head home a superb Matt Simon cross.

Earlier, fellow new signing Griffiths also opened his Mariners account with a well-taken header in the 21st minute in front of 6829 fans.

The midfielder rose brilliantly to meet a Michael McGlinchey free kick, steering his header into the corner of the net with Victory 'keeper Michael Petkovic unable to lay a finger on it.

It came after a lively start from the Mariners, with Oliver Bozanic and McGlinchey looking to cause problems down the flanks and Simon putting in a tireless shift up front.

The Victory gave the indication they had a goal in them but had most of their attacking forays thwarted by the Mariners' impressive central defensive duo of Alex Wilkinson and Patrick Zwaanswijk.

Star midfielder Carlos Hernandez was again unable to find his best form, though coach Ernie Merrick was able to hand new signing Ricardinho a debut off the bench following a last-minute visa clearance.

The Brazilian striker struggled to make an impact, though, and it was always going to be a tough initiation against an in-form Mariners back four.

The home side could have extended their margin with Bozanic and McGlinchey coming close with long range efforts in the second half.

With the club backing down from threats of legal action, Perez earlier on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite admitting he had considered returning to Argentina after being branded a diver.

- AAP