THE Central Coast Mariners are in the top four.

It’s something Mariners fans wouldn’t have dreamed of just a few seasons ago.

But under Paul Okon, the side has undertaken a drastic transformation from A-League strugglers to an exciting young group whose skill is equally as impressive as their youthful enthusiasm and dare.

On Sunday afternoon, against a gritty Perth Glory outfit which was determined to shut down every possible opportunity — and to their credit, very nearly did — the Mariners showed the persistence and renewed confidence that has them bolting up the A-League table.

With a 1-0 victory, they surged back into the competition’s top four.

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And it was the efforts of one player which showcased the Mariners’ rejuvenation.

Young gun Daniel De Silva, playing against his hometown club, controlled the game in the centre of the park, pulling the strings as the Mariners constantly looked for a goal.

Daniel De Silva. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

While the majority of the game saw attacking forays from both sides prove to be few and far between

Blake Powell, in only his second game back from injury, received the ball in the centre of the ground before passing out wide to De Silva, who worked his way to the goalline then cut the ball back for Powell to tap home.

“That is a fantastic pass from Blake Powell - and didn’t he have to light the afterburners to get the goalscoring touch off the crossbar,” Fox Sports commentator Andy Harper said.

“Brilliant from De Silva, playing against his hometown club - great athleticism, fantastic perserverance, magical craft and a telling finish from Blake Powell.

“The Mariners have offered plenty tonight … but they’ve got the goal that separates the teams and it was worth the wait.”

It was a show of persistence, workrate and skill that epitomised what’s got the Mariners firing this year.

And better yet, the clean sheet ensured Okon’s side took home all three points on offer.

The Mariners now sit fourth on the table with 12 points and a goal difference of zero to their name — showing how they’ve tightened up defensively.

Mariners players celebrate. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“The Mariners are back big-time as a football club,” Harper said.

“In my opinion, there was a couple of seasons where they were wandering around in the desert metaphorically.

“But they’ve rediscovered their mojo, he’s orchestrating the dressing room really well.

“Off-field, the CEO and whoever else is chipping in, they’re doing a great job of re-aligning this football club and they’re great value again.”

As for De Silva?

The prodigiously talented 20-year-old picked up all three Alex Tobin Medal votes and praised Okon’s style of play for getting the best out of him.

Daniel De Silva. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“I’m really happy to play here, we have a great style of play and it really allows me to express the type of player that I am,” he said on Fox Sports’ coverage after the game.

“Paolo does a great job with the team and having quality players around me really helps me as wel.

“So for me I’m really happy to be here and it just helps me become a better player.”

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