The Mariners won back-to-back games for the first time in almost three years as goals to Fabio Ferreira and Kwabena Appiah saw them beat the Reds 2-1.

Seemingly out of top six contention just a fortnight ago, the Mariners are now just five points behind sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers, who they face in a massive clash next Sunday.

“It’s a massive (result), Izzo told Fox Sports.

“We’ve been unlucky for so long.

“We knew we were playing great, we needed to get results like we’re now doing and hopefully we can make a late push (for the finals).”

Mariners lift off back-to-back wins

The Mariners finished last season with just three wins and on just 13 points to claim the wooden spoon.

After 18 rounds of the 2016/17 Season, they now have four wins to their name and 16 competition points.

“We know we’re progressing and it was only a matter of time before we started turning heads and people started taking notice.

“We’re proud of today,” Izzo said.

The young gloveman was excellent for the Mariners, making a couple of important saves to keep the Reds out while the match was still in the balance.

His excellent display was even more impressive considering he copped a Sergio Cirio shot directly in the face in the second half.

“It hurt a lot,” Izzo said of the knock.

“I was a bit dazed for a bit and trying to figure where I was and figure out the score for a second. But I was fine, I got through it.”