The Mariners put into a spirited performance at AAMI Park but failed to create clear cut chances, a problem that has vexed their season as the league's lowest scorers.

For Brattan though it was all about the result and a superb 49th minute goal by Bruno Fornaroli - his fourth in five games - proved the difference.

"They frustrated us," Brattan told Fox Sports post match. "They parked the bus and played five at the back and we got frustrated a little bit in the first half.

"But we still created chances so it's all good."

That frustration was evident when Fornaroli was put through on goal in the 85th minute but couldn't fire past goalkeeper Ben Kennedy. who made himself a big target in the face of the onrushing Uruguayan.

Brattan added: "It wasn’t our best but like I said they frustrated us. The important thing is we limited them to few chances, and we defended very well and (got) another cleansheet.

Another man of the match performance saw the 28-year-old midfielder move clear Of Sydney FC's Adrian Mierzejewski in the race for the Alex Tobin Medal.

But Brattan only had eyes for the title, saying: "It means nothing if you’re not going to win trophies."

City play their final game of the regular season away to cellar dwellers Wellington Phoenix while Central Coast face derby rivals Newcastle Jets.