Krishna scores then provides

Krishna scores then provides

1:25

Roy Krishna, Hamish Watson score for Wellington in 2-0 A-League win over Central Coast Mariners

ROY Krishna has continued his stellar A-League form to inspire Wellington to a dominant 2-0 win over a disappointing Central Coast in Canberra.

Krishna showed off his signature speed in the 49th minute on Saturday afternoon to net his fourth goal in three games before putting one on a platter for teammate Hamish Watson soon after.

The Phoenix overcame the loss of five international players to record back-to- back wins for the first time in 13 months, temporarily lifting themselves to seventh spot on the table.

The visitors took advantage of the freeflowing affair in the Mariners’ adopted home ground in Canberra, firing off seven shots on target compared to just two for the hosts.

Hamish Watson of the Phoenix celebrates with his team mate Roy Krishna.
Hamish Watson of the Phoenix celebrates with his team mate Roy Krishna.Source: Getty Images

Wellington started underdogs for the match, having lost regular first-teamers to New Zealand duty, including Kosta Barbarouses, Glen Moss and Andrew Durante. But they made a mockery of their understrength unit to create more chances against a loose Mariners defence that struggled to contain the Phoenix’s speed and wizardry in the front third.

Storm Roux of the Mariners looks dejected after defeat.
Storm Roux of the Mariners looks dejected after defeat.Source: Getty Images

Free-kick specialist Gui Finkler also crashed one set piece into the woodwork, while Scott Galloway succumbing to a first-half hamstring strain didn’t help either.

The home side weren’t without their own opportunities, with Fabio Ferreira twice cannoning free kicks into a wall before halftime, and Roy O’Donovan spurning a decent chance just after.

However, Wellington were in control for most of the match and edged ahead when Krishna flew onto a long ball from Watson, took a touch past an advancing Izzo and finished acutely.

The 29-year-old then returned the favour to Watson seven minutes later, latching onto a Finkler through-ball and teeing up a goal into an open net.