Griffiths and  McBreen scored their first A-League goals for Central Coast as the Mariners picked up their second win of the season while giving Merrick's men another disappointing outcome.

Griffiths opened the scoring in the 21st minute before McBreen got the second to secure the points for Arnold's side.

Griffiths headed from a Michael McGlinchey free-kick for the first goal before McBreen capitalised on a great run and cross from Matt Simon for the second as Central Coast started the second half in fine style.

Melbourne introduced recruit Ricardinho in the 54th minute but he had little impact as the Mariners held firm in defence.

The visitors tried hard but rarely threatened young Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who was given his second A-League start with Paul Henderson on the bench.

Central Coast finished the stronger and could easily have scored a third goal with Oliver Bozanic and McGlinchey firing wide.

Melbourne's best chance to score fell to skipper Kevin Muscat in the 66th minute but his powerful shot sailed over the bar.