Mariners win opener

Central Coast striker Sasho Petrovski has turned the screws on his former club and ruined Juninho's Hyundai A-League debut, scoring the only goal in the Mariners' 1-0 victory over Sydney FC at the SFS on Friday night.

The outspoken Petrovski, who blasted Sydney for letting him go after finishing as its leading goal scorer last year, clinically finished a gilt-edged chance after just seven minutes before a good first-day crowd of 18,457.

Sydney was unlucky not to grab a late equaliser, Mark Rudan's goal-bound shot cleared off the line by Nigel Boogaard with four minutes left.

Juninho also went close in the dying stages, but his free kick flashed agonisingly past the left post.

Rain greeted both sides for the opening match of the 2007/8 season, with Juninho the main attraction for those who braved the conditions.

But the game could not have got off to a worst start for the Brazilian and his new side.

Goalkeeper Clint Bolton's short goal-kick went straight to the Central Coast's Andre Gumprecht, who immediately laid the ball off to Petrovski.

The striker's left-foot shot skidded past a disbelieving Bolton.

Juninho did all he could to lift Sydney, showing off his wonderful array of skills from midfield in the hope of sparking an equaliser.

And he almost answered fans' prayers in the 74th minute.

With Central Coast keeper Danny Vukovic way off his line after coming out to block an attempt on goal, Juninho picked up the ball outside the box with only defender Alex Wilkinson guarding the Mariners' goal.

The South American left rip with a right-foot shot but it scaled the crossbar by metres.

The Brazilian World Cup winner, who lasted the entire match, was energetic and enterprising in his first senior game in Australia and will be a major drawcard at grounds around the country.

Socceroo Mark Milligan did his best to restore parity four minutes after Petrovski's goal, but his deflected shot looped over Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic and onto the roof of the net.

Petrovski came close to claiming a double 23 minutes in, but he wasted a free header as it sailed harmlessly by Bolton's right-hand post.

Sydney FC's best chance of the first half fell to Alex Brosque shortly after, but he blasted over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

The visitors were unlucky not to double their advantage in the 27th minute, Nik Mrdja's left-foot drive striking the left post with Bolton well beaten.

The half finished with a couple of lovely pieces of football from the impish Juninho.

A minute before the interval he slid a beautiful first-time pass to Steve Corica but Vukovic was quickly off his line to snuff out the danger.

The Brazilian genius did it all himself a few minutes later, weaving his way into the penalty box only to be forced wide and unable to get a shot away.

Mrdja was denied by Bolton's left boot in the visitors' best chance of the second half after 64 minutes.

Sydney was wasteful in front of a goal and paid the ultimate price with a first-up loss.