Gui Finkler scored twice as Melbourne Victory came from behind to seal a 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park.
The home side were not in their best form, but they snatched maximum points to put them just one point beneath A-League ladder leaders Wellington Phoenix.
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Victory looked the more likely to score in the early stages of the first half as Fahid Ben Khalfallah came close with a shot that hit the top netting.
Minutes later, Khalfallah was involved again as his cross found Besart Berisha in the box, but the forward's header flew wide.
The visitors grew into the game as the half went on and their pressing play was eventually rewarded when Nicholas Fitzgerald's header forced Nathan Coe to palm away, but the ball fell into the path of Isaka Cernak, who slotted home to take the lead.
Despite the Mariners dictating play at this point, Victory got back into the game when Finkler found space on the edge of the box to curl in an impressive shot before the half-time whistle.
After the break, both sides went on the attack in a bid to move on top, but it was Victory who edged closer when Khalfallah released a well-timed cross into the area, but Joshua Rose got there first to clear the danger.
At the other end, Nick Montgomery tried to make things happen for the Mariners by crossing into the box, but Coe was able to punch clear and prevent an attack on goal.
Despite chances at either end, Finkler gave the home side the lead when he curled the ball into the top corner, with Liam Reddy nowhere near it.
Victory had some shaky moments immediately after taking the lead when Anthony Caceres found space to unleash a shot, but it was cleared just a yard from the line.
The Mariners had chances to respond, but Victory were able to hold out for the three points.
Danielle Joynson
