Ryan Kitto netted the winning goal when he hit the ball through a sea of legs from a corner. His goal added to the Red’s equaliser earlier in the second half from German midfielder Daniel Adlung, whose long-ranged shot will be a contender for goal of the season.

The Mariners initially took the lead in the match when Wout Brama converted a penalty in the 40th minute, but the home team failed to maintain their advantage with Adelaide gradually commanding the play as the second half ticked over.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Ben Kennedy (GK) – 7.5

Forced into an early save on a low Matmour bolt in the first half, but couldn’t do much about the Adlung hit in the second. Nearly survived the late barrage of Adelaide strikes at the end of the game but for Kitto’s late winner.

Jake McGing – 7

Getting up high on the flank, he never looked under much pressure when backed up against the sideline and overlapped consistently give Hoole an extra option down his side. McGing is settling into his new role beautifully.

Liam Rose – 6

A handful of Adelaide chances seeking a late winner came through his side of defence and he was drawn out a few times when Adelaide attacked. It’s hard to replace Alan Baro.

Antony Golec – 6

Generally composed on the ball in defence and played some long balls forward to give Hiariej a run for his money. Could’ve scored a late equaliser with the last kick of the game.

Kye Rowles – 6

Playing in just his third A-League game and first for the Mariners, the 19-year-old was drafted in late for an injured Josh Rose. Normally a central defender, he was caught for pace as Nikola Mileusnic gave him an early run-around but eventually adjusted to the game.

Wout Brama – 6.5

Wasn’t as good as he was last week. Converted the 40th minute penalty to give Central Coast the lead but also turned the ball over a few times in midfield.

Tom Hiariej © – 7

Showcased his glorious long diagonal passing yet again but lost control of the game when Adelaide scored the equaliser and couldn’t get back on top thereafter.

Andrew Hoole – 7

Showed plenty of deft touches to knock it around an opponent or beat a defender. He moves swiftly over the ground and caused plenty of headaches for the Adelaide defenders.

Danny De Silva – 7.5

His work rate is so good. Shifts left to right, always looking for the slippery through ball and follows up his passes. The starlet showed off his close, fancy footwork in tight spaces, often getting himself out of trouble. Puts players under pressure with his chasing.

Conor Pain – 6.5

Drew the foul for the penalty in Central Coast’s opening goal and troubled Michael Marrone with his speed, but Adelaide’s defence also made it hard at times for him to connect with anyone in the box.

Kwabena Appiah – 6.5

Played as the striker and carries a similar run-at-the-defence mantra of the man he replaced, Asdrubal. Appiah just lacks the final touch, pass or ability to create space to shoot that the Spaniard has.

Josh Bingham – N/A

Didn’t have enough of an impact to be rated.

Trent Buhagiar – N/A

Didn’t have enough of an impact to be rated.

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo (GK) – 6

Didn’t have too much to do on the night. The Mariners only mustered one shot on target, the penalty. Distribution was accurate, running at almost 80% passing efficiency.

Michael Marrone – 6

One of the better running full-backs in the league and got deep up the flanks as usual, but was also beaten for pace regularly by Pain.

Ersan Gulum – 7

Worked with Elsey to repeatedly shut the door on Kwabena Appiah and other Mariners forwards. Their partnership kept Adelaide in the game, even after they went down.

Jordan Elsey – 7

Kept it compact at the back and maintained defensive shape for the most part. Had to make some crucial defensive stops, including on a rampaging Trent Buhagiar in the second half.

Ben Garuccio – 6

Gave too much space down his side. Andrew Hoole and Jake McGing had acres to work into down the flank and Garuccio often needed multiple efforts and extra help to stop them.

Isaias © – 7

Gave the ball away too many times for his standards and conceded several fouls. Looked better when Adelaide pushed in the last 30 minutes and was part of the build-up to both goals. He also teed up the shot for Mileusnic who could’ve made it 1-0 when he hit the crossbar.

Daniel Adlung – 8

The German carries a massive workload through midfield but thrives on winning the ball and turning it into something meaningful. Scored an absolute blooter to equalise the game after 59 minutes; had plenty of space and just smashed it.

Karim Matmour – 7.5

The Algerian got off to a slow start, simply trying to involve himself where he could. It was a different story in the second half where he made his presence known. Whenever the ball found itself at his feet he tried to make it talk, taking shots, playing splitting passes and making the Central Coast defenders backpedal.

Ryan Kitto – 7

Was rather quiet on the flank and not as prolific as Mileusnic on the opposite side, but had his moment when he slammed home the winner late in stoppage time.

Nikola Mileusnic – 7.5

Penetrated the final third with purpose and regularity, getting the ball it into dangerous areas. As the first half wore on it became more obvious Adelaide’s chances were coming through him. Missed a sitter ten minutes from half-time when he hit the crossbar.

Baba Diawara – 7

Had a few close digs at goal but gave away the foul for the penalty for a push on Conor Pain. Played in some nice passes and looked especially threatening once inside the 18-yeard area. He was able to occasionally break open the defence.

George Blackwood – 6

Had a nice header on goal which Kennedy tipped over the bar and then smashed a close-ranged shot straight into the ‘keepers stomach which could’ve put the Reds ahead much earlier than Kitto’s late goal.

Ben Warland – 6

Came on in the 68th minute and did the job to fill-in for Gulum.

Mark Ochieng – 5

Created a few runs at the end and did just enough to earn a perfectly average score.