Josep Gombau’s men rose to the occasion, and it was their first half dominance that ultimately sealed the 1-2 win in Gosford on Sunday afternoon.

Jaushua Sotirio set the tone with a well-timed volley off a Marcelo Carrusca corner courtesy of an orchestrated set piece straight from the training ground.

Oriol Riera doubled the advantage with a thumping header following Raul Llorente’s expert delivery.

In the second half, Central Coast chipped away at the two-goal deficit and the goal-shy side snapped the curse through Peter Skapetis.

The visitors held on and leapt into the top six of the A-League with the three points.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy (GK) – 6.5

Started well with saves on Sotirio’s header and a chance from Mark Bridge. But Sotirio’s volley and Riera’s header were the difference.

Storm Roux - 7

Well timed tackle on Carrusca’s dangerous play and provided the defence that his side needed at times.

Liam Rose - 5.5

Left Riera free to head the ball in and score.

Antony Golec – 7

Angles covered at times. Goal-saving clearance to deny Western Sydney their third goal through Bridge. Brilliant defending and a positive for the Mariners, despite the yellow card.

Jake McGing - 6.5

Some great passing, especially the precise pass to Daniel De Silva. Good work in the midfield in the second period.

Tom Hiariej - 6

Had a chance in the second half skied over the bar, but was fairly quiet.

Jacob Melling – 7.5

Showed initiative with a great ball threaded through to De Silva. One of his best games capped off with a great assist.

Daniel De Silva - 7

Made a few good passes in the first half.

Had a chance in the second half that was blazed inches wide and laid off a great pass to Trent Buhagiar. Unfortunately couldn’t make an impact on the score-line.

Andrew Hoole - 6

Did well to track Llorente in the 38th minute, after not doing so for most of the first half an hour. Strung a few good passes together but lacked quality.

Blake Powell - 5

Couldn’t capitalise on any chances and was denied by Janjetovic in a powerless effort.

Lachlan Wales - 6

The youngster made some good bursting runs down the wing, but wasn’t able to execute the final ball in.

Subs

Trent Buhagiar - 7

Provided pace and strived to get in behind. Great chance to equalise at the death.

Peter Skapetis – 7.5

Perfect finish with a header in the second half to make an instant impact off the bench and a good first impression to his new fans.

Adam Berry – N/A

Was subbed on late in the match.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic (GK) – 6.5

Made a few good saves early in the second when the defence weren’t at their best. Top save at full-stretch to deny Melling.

Was mainly unfazed during the first-half.

Josh Risdon - 7

Great defending to clear De Silva’s low cross. Was solid and crucial to the defensive line in the first-half.

Brendan Hamill – 7.5

Put his body on the line with a goal-saving tackle denying Powell. Made several clearances and was no-nonsense.

Michael Thwaite - 6

Did well to clear the danger, but left Skapetis open to level the score.

Raul Llorente – 8

Provided pin-point crosses and also did well defensively. Delivered a brilliant cross in to assist Riera.

Roly Bonevacia - 6

Worked well with Carrusca but dropped off the second-half.

Steven Lustica – 6.5

Had a bright first 45 minutes, linking up with Carrusca and Riera.

Marcelo Carrusca - 8

The 34-year-old made vital tackles and conducted play. Great vision to spot an unmarked Sotirio with the corner routine.

Jaushua Sotirio - 7.5

Positive start, and was rewarded with a controlled volley to break the deadlock. The speedster looked very dangerous on the wing as usual.

Forced off at the break due to a suspected injury.

Oriol Riera – 7.5

Incredible play to find Bridge early in the match.

Finished home a world class header to double the lead and almost had an assist to his name after a delightful chested pass to Bridge in the 18-yard-box.

Mark Bridge – 5.5

Had an opportunity to open scoring in front of goal, but held onto the ball for too long and scooped an effort over the bar. Lucky for Bridge, Central Coast couldn’t find another goal and he wasn’t left to rue in his missed opportunities.

Subs

Chris Ikonomidis - 6

Positive start to the second half for the new signing.

Brendan Santalab – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.

Kearyn Baccus – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.