Adam Parkhouse started up in an unfamilair fullback role for Wellington after joining the club from Manly United.

A mix up in the Mariners goal in the 37th minute after a Gui Finkler corner was enough for Watson to pounce. The centre forward slotted home to give Phoenix a 1-0 lead.

Both sides made a raft of substitutions at half-time.

In the second half Alex Rodriguez had a shot palmed away by Mariners keeper Ivan Necevski.

Straight after, Trent Bughagiar had a penalty claim waved away by the referee.

In the 63rd minute Paul Okon made several more player changes.

Four minutes later the Mariners almost equalised but Josh Bingham couldn’t get onto an inviting cross.

In the 80th Bingham had a shot saved by Lewis Italiano.

Kosta Barbarouses nearly made it 2-0 with four minutes left but his shot curled wide.

Just before the end of the game Jake Adeleson picked up a serious injury and was carried off on a stretcher.

The match was Okon’s first in charge against A-League opposition after being appointed by the Central Coast.