Two contenders for goal of the season couldn't keep a smile on Andrew Hoole's face. Ultimately, it will do little to acquiesce Central Coast Mariners fans either.
Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity was 'Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'
An inability to hold a consistent line and a general lack of defensive awareness hurt the Mariners for the seventh time out of eight occassions they've taken the lead this season - throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose to Melbourne Victory 3-2.
This raises the inevitable question, what is Mike Mulvey doing about it?
His options seem a little limited with an inexperienced backline and a tactical approach that requires roaming fullbacks.
If Central Coast play a high line, they're caught out regularly on the break, if they sit deep, they're ineffective in dealing with crosses and unable to man-mark effectively.
What the Mariners possess, however, is phenomenal effort and moments of quality both in midfield and down the flanks. Andrew Hoole's two sensational free kicks were a highlight of his season.
However Victory, who looked lethargic and uncomfortable in the first half, put on a calm, measured display in the second. James Troisi showed a solid display and gave Melbourne the lead, before a mistake from Ben Kennedy and a cool breakaway from Kosta Barbarouses rounded out the match.
"We're good enough to come back from 2-0 down, we performed well and gave it all," new Victory starlet, Elvis Kamsoba - who immediately impacted the match upon his second half introduction - claimed afterwards.
"When I get the chance to take them on, that's what I do.
As for Hoole, the midfielder can have little problem with his own performance. But he's well-aware that this is quickly becoming an unsustainable pattern.
"It's so disappointing, the first half we dominated. Two goals up, every single week this happens.
"It's not good enough."
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