Mariners, Jets don't travel too well

Last season's A-League grand finalists have struggled to make an impression in the opening round of the Pre Season Cup, the Central Coast going down to Wellington while Newcastle were lucky to snatch a draw with Perth.

While Adelaide United and Sydney FC enjoyed wins over the weekend, the top two teams of 2007/08 were scratchy.

The Mariners suffered their first ever loss against an impressive Phoenix who ran out 1-0 victors in Wellington.

Controversial Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic - who'll be suspended for the start of the A-League proper until October 6 after striking referee Mark Shield in last season's grand final - was kept busy against the team who finished at the foot of the 2007/08 competition ladder.

The Phoenix dominated for lengthy periods of the match but had to rely on a lone 72nd minute goal from Brazilian Daniel to claim the win.

In Sunday's other game, 2007 Pre Season Cup winners Adelaide United downed Melbourne Victory 2-1 at a freezing Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

United needed a 90th minute winner from Cristiano whose first half goal had cancelled out Ney Fabiano's early strike.

The last-gasp winner ensured Adelaide three points and top spot in Group A ahead of Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory.

The Jets, minus several of the grand final winning team including Beijing-bound Olyroo Jade North, were forced to come from behind to draw 1-1 against the Glory in the West Australian coastal town of Mandurah on Saturday.

The impressive Adrian Trinidad scored from the penalty spot after just 12 minutes for the Glory with acting Jets skipper Noel Spencer replying for the visitors nine minutes before the interval.

While the result might not have been what he wanted, Jets Coach Gary van Egmond was able to unveil new signings Antun Kovacic, Kaz Patafta and Jason Naidovski.

Also on Saturday, Sydney FC secured a 2-1 home win over Queensland Roar who were forced to play the majority of the second half with ten men after the dismissal of Hyuk-Su Seo.

After a scoreless first half, three goals in an eight minute spell settled the match, with Sydney's Mitchell Prentice scoring the winner with a pinpoint free kick from the edge of the penalty area awarded after Seo's professional foul on Alex Brosque.

Young striker Chris Payne, 17, staked a claim for the striker's role left vacant by the recent foot injury to Socceroo John Aloisi, when he scored from close range after Sergio van Dijk had opened the scoring for the visitors.

Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix share equal first in Group B with the Mariners and the Roar yet to collect their first points.

Next week's matches will be highlighted by the Jets taking on Adelaide United in Cessnock on Saturday.

The Glory will host the Victory on the same day at Members Equity Stadium in Perth.

Sunday's matches have the Roar meeting the Phoenix on the Sunshine Coast, while the Mariners will host rivals Sydney FC in Gosford.