A-League wrap: McBreen makes light work of Jets

8 December 2012 12:03

Daniel McBreen returned to haunt his home-town club in the A-League on Saturday, scoring a double in Central Coast's 2-0 win over Newcastle.

The A-League's leading sharpshooter continued his recent purple patch of form to help the Mariners return to the top of the premiership table, leapfrogging Adelaide.

McBreen, who had scored seven goals before Saturday night, moved three clear of his nearest rivals in the golden boot race, with a neat finish four minutes into the second half.

Mariners fullback Josh Rose broke clear down the left wing, steadied himself, and crossed perfectly to McBreen.

The 35-year-old collected it sweetly on the half-volley with his right foot and left Jets keeper Matthew Nash with no chance.

In the 66th minute he made it 2-0 with his ninth goal of the season - eight in the past six games - with a clinical header.

The win lifted Central Coast to 23 points, one ahead of Adelaide, and avenged their only loss of the season, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of their F3 derby rivals in round three.

Melbourne Heart debutant Golgol Mebrahtu ended his long wait for his first A-League goal as his 89th-minute winner gave his side a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

Mebrahtu, making his 27th A-League appearance but first for Heart, was introduced in the 78th minute and netted 11 minutes later.

The former Gold Coast United attacker struck on the counter-attack to decide the uninspiring affair.

John Aloisi's Heart jumped above Perth and into sixth place thanks to their first win in four matches.