Central Coast Mariners give Garang Kuol winning A-League Men farewell against Melbourne Victory

A Jason Cummings brace has ensured his Socceroos teammate Garang Kuol enjoyed a winning A-League Men’s farewell, with the Central Coast Mariners rising to second with a 2-1 home triumph over Melbourne Victory.

Kuol, who is heading to English Premier league club Newcastle United, received a standing ovation from the crowd of 10,372 in Gosford after playing almost 78 minutes in just his third A-League Men start.

The 18-year-old was involved in Cummings’s first goal and made some trademark surging runs in an entertaining New Year’s Eve clash, as the Mariners logged a third straight home win.

Victory almost scored after 36 seconds but Storm Roux did well to block a goal-bound shot from Nani.

Cummings made it four goals from as many matches since returning from World Cup duties.

He scored either side of a sweet 39th-minute strike from Spaniard Cadete and although 10th-placed Victory had several other chances through the match, the Mariners looked more likely to score in the final quarter.

Kuol’s sweeping pass found Roux on the right and the defender’s perfect cross was headed in at the far post by Cummings in the 11th minute.

Cummings scored the winner in the 53rd minute with a close-range header after Brian Kaltak nodded a far post corner into his path.

Kuol had a Béni Nkololo shot deflect off him and was instrumental in a move that led to referee Daniel Elder awarding a penalty in the 66th minute.

The marauding winger made a strong run and put a pass through for Josh Nisbet, who fell in the penalty area, with Elder awarding a spot kick after ruling the Mariners midfielder was brought down by Victory goalkeeper Matt Acton.

Elder reversed the decision after the VAR called him over to the monitor to watch replays of the incident.

Kuol made another surging run shortly after, before being taken off.

AAP