Harry Kewell produced the winner for Melbourne Victory to deliver coach Jim Magilton his first triumph since his appointment.

Kewell's volley and Carlos Hernandez's thunderbolt sandwiched Tony Rogic's effort for the Mariners.

The visitors had defender Trent Sainsbury sent off midway through the second half.

Central Coast still lead the A-League by seven points, though its lead could be cut depending on the result of Sunday's clash between second-placed Wellington and third-placed Brisbane.