Striker Harry Novillo scored a double and Bruno Fornaroli edged ahead in the golden boot standings, while Stefan Mauk and Aaron Mooy also found the back of the net for the visitors.
Central Coast were not without their own chances – especially in the first-half but only had a late penalty to Mitch Austin to show for their efforts.
The Mariners were missing captain Nick Montgomery to suspension for the Round 9 opener but had winger Austin back from injury who was lively throughout.
Conversely, City welcomed back their captain Patrick Kisnorbo to help shore up their backline, while Mauk replaced the injured Corey Gameiro.
GOALS
0-1 Novillo (26’) A turnover from the Mariners on the half-way line gifted City possession and they needed no invitation to stream forward on the counter. Fornaroli darted away with the ball and produced a well weighted pass to unleash Novillo on goal. The Frenchman duly obliged slotting his one on one chance with Paul Izzo under the onrushing goalkeeper to open the scoring.
0-2 Fornaroli (45’) City dealt the Mariners a dagger blow on the cusp of half-time when some brilliance from their Uruguayan striker unlocked the home side’s defence. Novillo was given too much space on the flank before whipping the ball into the box. Fornaroli dummied and spun, receiving the ball back from Erik Paartalu and coolly rolling it into the back of the net.
0-3 Novillo (57’) Some sloppy work from the Mariners coming out of defence was pounced on by City, with Novillo winning the ball and surging forward. The Frenchman played a nice one two before firing from outside the box past the outstretched Izzo who could do nothing to stop Novillo banking his brace.
0-4 Mauk (74’) Having not played a part in any of his side’s first three goals Aaron Mooy reminded everyone of his burgeoning talents with a moment of magic. The Socceroos star received the ball in midfield before ghosting past a couple of would-be defenders and laying a pin-point cross to Mauk, who dispatched it first time with aplomb.
1-4 Austin (86’) City were guilty of some sloppy play as they tried to clear their lines late on. Mitch Austin won the ball inside the box and was fouled as he descended on goal. The winger duly stepped up to take the spot-kick, firing it into the roof of the net to give the home fans some cheer.
1-5 Mooy (90+4) Ivan Franjic won a free-kick in the shadows of full-time and City played on quickly from the set-piece catching their opposition out. Mooy received a short pass and made a beeline for goal, weaving his way forward and unleashing a venomous shot past Izzo.
TEAMS
Central Coast Mariners: Izzo (GK), Roux, McGing, Poscoliero, J.Rose (c) (Neill 64’), L.Rose, Caceres, Fitzgerald, Austin, O'Donovan (Bingham 72’), Ashcroft (Uskok 65’)
Melbourne City: Sorensen (GK), Franjic, Chapman, Melling (Retre 73'), Paartalu, Kisnorbo (c), Novillo (Espindola 82'), Clisby, Mooy, Mauk (Williams 76’), Fornaroli
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