Promising signs for Mariners in win under new coach Alen Stajcic

Alen Stajcic should be known as the wizard – it only took 90 minutes for a bit of Stajcic magic.

Interim Mariners coach Alen Stajcic celebrates the win over the Newcastle Jets. Picture: Getty Images

• Mariners break drought in wild F3 derby finish

Alen Stajcic should be known as the wizard – it only took 90 minutes for a bit of Stajcic magic.

Thirteen goals Central Coast had copped in their last two home games, not to mention they’d claimed seven points from a possible 63 all season.

But the three points they claimed against the Newcastle Jets might be the most important in a long time.

The A-League is a different world from what Stajcic has been used to, but it’s a very, very good start for him.

Interim Mariners coach Alen Stajcic celebrates the win over the Newcastle Jets. Picture: Getty Images

A new lease on life for both the former Matildas coach and the club which he joined on just a few days’ notice.

The Jets were punished by a Mariners side that grew as the game went on. There wasn’t much adventure going forward in the first half, but in the second the players had intent. They clearly believed in what they were doing and wanted to impress their new coach.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still much work to do, and late in the second half we saw a side of the Mariners we’ve grown used to.

Mariners players celebrate a goal against the Jets. Picture: Getty Images

They got nervous and sat deeper, and the writing was seemingly on the wall for the Jets to jag a draw.

And it probably should have ended that way. Given Roy O’Donovan missed the first penalty he shouldn’t have stepped up for the re-take.

But in a way it signified that Newcastle had missed a golden chance. Is it a fatal blow? I don’t think you can say that yet.

But Ernie Merrick will be very disappointed with some of their sloppiness, and there’s little margin for error if they still want to make the finals.