Beaten Mariners confident after improved performance

Central Coast coach Alen Stajcic drew plenty of positives despite a first-up defeat, with the A-League's whipping boys of the last two seasons already looking far more competitive.

Western Sydney Wanderers players swarm Mitchell Duke after a goal Source: Getty Images

The Mariners took the lead at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday through a first-half goal to Serbian midfielder Milan Duric on his A-League debut .

A double either side of halftime to Wanderers captain and former Mariner Mitchell Duke ensured a winning return to their rebuilt stadium for Western Sydney, after three seasons of playing home games elsewhere.

Read the full story and watch the highlight of the match on video here.