Kewell scores to give Victory 2-1 win in A-League

SYDNEY (AP) -Harry Kewell scored on a left-footed downward volley six minutes from halftime to give the Melbourne Victory a 2-1 win over the first-place Central Coast Mariners in Australia's A-League.

Carlos Hernandez leveled for the Victory in the 16th minute on Friday after Tomas Rogic gave the Mariners a ninth-minute lead.

Former Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton celebrated his first win as coach in his sixth match with the Victory.

"We got a goal behind, we showed great character, we passed the ball well,'' Magilton said. "We haven't won a second half this year, and we won the second half.''

Elsewhere, Newcastle beat the Melbourne Heart 3-0 and Sydney FC edged Perth 2-1.

At Newcastle, goals by Jeremy Brockie, Ryan Griffiths and Michael Bridges against the Heart gave the Jets their third win in a row.

Marquee player Brett Emerton led Sydney FC to only their fourth home win of the season. The former Blackburn skipper, back from injury, scored the first goal and set up Brazilian import Bruno Cazarine for the second, while Billy Mehmet scored in the final minutes for the Glory.

The Mariners remained seven points clear atop the table, but their lead could be cut by second-place Wellington or third-place Brisbane when the teams meet on Sunday. Adelaide and Gold Coast played in the other Sunday match.