The Wellington Phoenix have taken a step towards rediscovering last season's winning momentum with a hard-fought 1-0 FFA Cup victory over Central Coast Mariners.
It was a tale of two goalkeepers in Gosford as Phoenix edged out a new-look Mariners side with a lone first-half goal from Kwabena Appiah.
Kwabena Appiah 16x10 Photo: Photosport
The former Sydney Wanderers attacker took just 20 minutes to score on debut for his new club after dispossessing Mariners goalkeeper Paul Izzo who hesitated after receiving a routine backpass.
At the other end of the field Phoenix keeper Glen Moss made several key saves, while the Mariners spurned a late opportunity as former English Premier League striker Roy O'Donovan crashed a penalty against the frame of the goal.
The Phoenix have now been drawn to face