A first half strike from Michael McGlinchey has helped the Wellington Phoenix to a one-nil victory over the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.

In his first game back from injury, McGlinchey found the back of the net early in the first period with a low driving shot from outside the box.

Phoenix co-coach Des Buckingham says they deserved the win, as the bottom line was that they needed three competition points which they achieved and that sets them up for Tuesday's match against the Melbourne Victory.

Meanwhile Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers have played out a nil-all draw.