Central Coast Mariners crowned A-League champions

It was a case of "four's a charm" for the Central Coast Mariners as they defeated the Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2012/13 A-League Grand Final, 2-0.

It was a frantic start to the highly anticipated match, as both teams exchanged blows in the opening half, despite there being few clear-cut chances.

The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Patrick Zwaanswijk got on the end of a curling left corner kick, flying high above the pack to sink the hearts of the Wanderers fans in attendance.

Taking a 1-0 lead into the half, the Mariners doubled their advantage in the 68th minute as Wanderers defender Jerome Polenz handballed inside the box, conceding a penalty. Daniel McBreen took his chance and converted the penalty for the Central Coast.

The Wanderers were unable to get on the board in the second half, sending the A-League trophy up to Central Coast, with that elusive Championship title to their name, ending their Grand Final hoodoo and cementing their place as one of the A-League's most successful clubs.