Victory also enjoyed huge confidence building results in the Asian Champions League in recent weeks to suggest they're back in the championship race.

Meanwhile the Mariners' season is all but over, with players now playing for contracts either at their current club, or others.

It was a banana skin game for the three-time A-League champions, with their other encounters this season with the men from Gosford resulting in draws.

It was the Big V that turned up to play and apart from a 10 minute period in the 2nd half where the Mariners fought out a few chances, they easily dispatched the struggling Central Coast outfit in an absolute thumping, 5-2.

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas – 7

First real involvement was a stop off a free kick which ended painfully for both himself, but more so Antony Golec. Wasn’t required for the remainder with very few Central Coast attacks making their way to the Goalkeeper. A deflection meant he could do little about Connor Pains late consolation.

Thomas Deng – 7 

Put a lovely ball in for Berisha to head home but unfortunately, the A-League’s all-time leading goal scorer was offside again. Had a good night off and on the ball and was replaced on 60 minutes.

James Donachie – 6.5

Got involved when necessary. He simply wasn’t required very often. Miskicked a clearance that allowed Connor Pain to score late but the game was well and truly won.

Rhys Williams – 7.5 

Stood tall in a calm performance and held off any attacking threats along with Donachie. Played a lovely cross field ball to gain an assist for Christian Theoharous late in the game.

Leigh Broxham – 6.5

The versatile veteran was filling the left back void but that didn’t stop him getting central and having the occasional pot shot.

Carl Valeri – 8 

Blocked the passing lanes in midfield and along with Sanchez did an outstanding job of controlling the tempo of the game. The Mariners struggled severely to get through the midfield which forced them wide and into errors.

James Troisi – 6.5

Had some nice touches, with his telling involvement laying off for Berisha’s second. After a bit of a scare with his knee he was subbed off on 72 minutes for an early shower.