The Mariners had originally beaten Aston Villa in the group stage of the tournament but went down exhausted after winning their spot in the final against Happy Valley just an hour earlier.

Villa's Mark Albrighton scored the lone goal on seven minutes with a wonder strike while Mariners substitute Adam Kwasnik and Matt Simon - who performed well throughout the tournament, both went close to equalising for Central Coast.

"It’s one step better than the last time we were here," said Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna following the match.

"I think the fitness component got to us, as in the last two games we were a bit flatter and not as sharp as we have been, no doubt given that we’ve only been back at training for a week and a half.

"But the boys gave us everything and, even in the final, our opponents only really had one shot and scored a fantastic goal."

"With a bunch of young boys here and after a week and half of pre-season we’ve made the final," said McKinna.

"There were a few big scalps along the way, we’ve had an enjoyable time and we’ll learn from it," he finished.

Want to see pictures from the Mariners' time in Hong Kong against some of the best in the world? Go here!