Melbourne Heart FC battled courageously against table-topping Central Coast Mariners, only to succumb to a double from Pedj Bojic.

Melbourne Heart FC battled courageously against table-topping Central Coast Mariners, only to succumb to a double from Pedj Bojic at Bluetongue Stadium this evening..

After deflecting a first-half onslaught from the Mariners in Gosford, Heart were sunk in the second half as Bojic, who has proved a nemesis for the Red and White this season, sent the league leaders ahead in the 49th minute.

Bojic then doubled his tally, replicating his sensational effort against John Aloisi’s side at AAMI Park in round four, netting a curling free-kick from a set piece just outside the area to hand the home side all three points.