A pulsating end-to-end affair played out between Adelaide United and the Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium.

Central Coast were advantaged by an early red card to Adelaide centreback Ersan Gulum, with Andrew Hoole at the centre of both of the Mariners’ goals; eloquently sending the ball past a hapless Paul Izzo from a free kick and crossing for Ryan Strain's undeserved own goal.

United showed the conviction that has them almost solidified in finals football, whereas the Mariners were culpable for lapsing defensively, sitting off in the final 30 minutes, when it would have been effective to match Adelaide’s intensity, as they had done in the first half.

As the Mariners slowed down play it allowed room for United to stake their claim.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo 6.5 —

Left stunned by Hoole’s free kick, but was impressive with his scrambling reflex saves throughout the match.

Ryan Strain 6 —

Painfully was responsible for the own goal, despite another impressive showing at right back.

Jordan Elsey 7 —

Provided an effective option on corner scenarios and was rewarded with a goal from a Garuccio delivery. Stood up well alongside Regan and could not do much for the Mariners’ goals.

Ersan Gulum 4 —

Earned a red card in the early part of the game. Arguably a soft challenge, but it was necessary to prevent a likely second for the Mariners, which would have rattled Adelaide further.

Ben Garuccio 7 —

Ventured forward well to provide a positive outlet, with many of Adelaide’s attacking work stemming from the left back. Placed a fantastic cross on Elsey’s head from a deal ball. At times his challenges defensively were inept, allowing Buhagiar to present danger for the Adelaide defence.

Jordan O’Doherty 5 —

Was unlucky to be substituted early to make way for Taylor Regan.

Isaias 6 —

Tidy on the ball and calmly led his team with composed play despite them going down to ten men.

Daniel Adlung 8 —

Popped up everywhere throughout the match, working tirelessly on the ball to push the play forward. Notched an exquisite assist when crossing for Blackwood.

Ryan Kitto 5 —

Worked hard to create opportunities and link up with the likes of Adlung but could not create anything convincing.

Nikola Mileusnic 6.5 —

Put the Mariners to work with his non-stop running. Defended with gusto on two occasions where the Mariners looked to punish the Reds on the counter.

George Blackwood 6 —

Wasteful at times despite consistently being in the right positions to work something with the ball. Came to life in the second half, hitting the post and then scoring with a fantastic half volley off the crossbar.

Subs

Dzengis Cavusevic 6 —

The hulking forward clearly lacks game time, but he chased well to put the Mariners on the back foot at times and nearly scored the winner had it not been for Ben Kennedy.

Taylor Regan 6 —

The ‘Married At First Sight’ aficionado was brought on early on in place of Gulum and stood his ground against the Mariners efforts.

Michael Marrone 6 —

Did well to impact the match with what little time he had, sending in a particular inviting cross towards Cavusevic in extra time.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy 6.5 —

Kept the Mariners in the match with heroic keeping at times, especially in saving Cavusevic’s header towards the conclusion of the match.

Jake McGing 6 —

Seemed less comfortable when shifted to a centre back role but battled well.

Alan Baro 7.5 —

Exceptionally tolerated Adelaide’s better moments, impressively preventing numerous chances for the home side, demonstrating his experience throughout. Would have felt gutted to

Jacob Poscoliero 6 —

Was strong alongside Alan Baro, but it was his Spanish centre back partner that did much of the defensive work.

Storm Roux 5 —

Marked his 100th appearance in the A-League with a poor showing. At fault for Blackwood’s goal through a lapse in concentration and passed haplessly in moments when the Mariners needed to retain possession.

Jacob Melling 5.5 —

Fantastic passing and diligent defending was typical of his first half performance, but conceded far too many fouls (including one which resulted in Elsey’s goal) in the second.

Tom Hiariej 6 —

Lacked a presence in the match, which appeared to reflect the efforts of those around him stepping up.

Andrew Hoole 7.5 —

Dangerous on the night, rarely putting a foot wrong and was clever in exploiting the space given to him for his sumptuous free kick. Laid the groundwork for Buhagier to win the foul leading to Gulum’s red card with silky movement and an incisive pass.

Trent Buhagiar 5.5 —

It was Buhagier’s first A-League start in twelve months and he struggled at times to seize the opportunity. Wily throughout, but should have done better with the space he was given.

Danny De Silva 5 —

Uncharacteristically, his touch let him down at times and he rarely got on the ball.

Blake Powell 6 —

Attempted to create space through his hard work for the more creative of the Mariners contingent to work through. Worked hard defensively in addition.

Subs

Josh Rose 6 —

Replaced Poscoliero, allowing Storm Roux to move in to his favoured right back position.

Petros Skapetis 5 —

Brought on to run at the Adelaide defence yet he barely received the ball.

Liam Rose N/A –

Had little time to influence the match.