The draw between the two sides was no doubt a fair reflection of the events that played out on the pitch.

The Mariners were tenacious and played with an urgency intrinsic to any underdog side, battling and resisting against City’s possession based play that, akin to seasons prior, lacked finesse in the final third.

City’s constant desire to play attractive football arguably played in the favour of the Mariners’ directness and despite earning the record of scoring a goal in seventeen consecutive away fixtures, found goals hard to come by.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy  6 —

Did fantastically to deny McGree his hero moment as he was called in to action late on. Maintained his composure with a string of fine saves until a Vidosic shot was too much to handle.

Kye Rowles 6 —

Threw himself in to challenges and defended with passion, no doubt endearing himself to the Central Coast faithful.

Kalifa Cisse 7 —

Imposing and committed in his efforts. Cisse’s best work is displayed in his ability to reclaim possession for his team, consistently easing the pressure off his side. Was possibly lucky to escape a foul on Fornaroli in the box.

Antony Golec 6 —

Appeared to sustain a worrisome injury in the second half, but he shook it off the play out the match.

Jack Clisby 6.5 —

Imperious in attack, constantly providing an outlet on his flank.

Aiden O’Neill 7 —

Nearly gifted City with a leveller following a poor touch, otherwise he competed well, displaying a tenacity which sees him held in such a positive light by his loanee club’s Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

Tom Hiariej 7.5 —

Slipped through some impressive penetrative passes as he has clearly been given a license to do more creative work with the defensively minded O’Neill beside him.

Michael McGlinchey 5 —

Competitive in trying to win the ball, but largely unseen throughout the match.

Connor Pain 6.5 —

Notched an assist to add to his goal from last week as he had all the time in the world to play in McCormack for the opener. Much of the Mariners’ better work in the first half came through the winger, although he went quiet in the second stanza.

Matt Simon 6 —

The Wizard of Woy Woy imparted himself on the game in typical fashion; bulldozing, blitzing and calling out every refereeing decision.

Ross McCormack 7 —

Opened his tally for the Mariners with a well taken finish and nearly had a second with a free kick late in the first half.

SUBS

Tommy Oar 6 —

Consigned to defending following his arrival, as of the balls that were sent to him, most were overplayed.

Jordan Murray 6 —

The NPL starlet was unsighted beyond his entrance to the pitch, through no fault of his own.

Jacob Melling 6 —

In the thick of the action straight away upon stepping on to the pitch, attempting to win back possession for his side.

Melbourne City

Eugene Galekovic 6 —

Unfortunate to be on the end of a Matt Simon aerial contest, an experience he seemed all too (understandably) unhappy with afterwards.

Bart Schenkeveld 6 —

No doubt one of the classiest defenders in the league, yet he more was substantial in this match by contributing with his passing going forward.

Iacopo La Rocca 4 —

Undeniably at fault for the Mariners’ opener, poorly clearing Clisby’s cross, which was ultimately the start of a poor afternoon.

Harrison Delbridge 5.5 —

Afforded opportunities to venture forward to link up with his teammates, but his contributions seemed to hamper his team as he displayed some poor crossing and decision making.

Richie de Laet 7 —

Maintained his high performance standard from Round One’s Melbourne Derby in a wingback role. His direct running and sheer pace is such an impressive asset that needs to be used more often.

Kearyn Baccus 5 —

Involved consistently throughout in controlling the tempo, but rarely left a real imprint going forward.

Luke Brattan 6 —

Dictated affairs with precision passing, but found the defensive side of his game utilised more often.

Riley McGree 7 —

Despite starting on the left, he was at the centre for most parts of the match as he weaved through his opponents with ease. A serious contender for an Asian Cup squad spot.

Florin Berenguer 6.5 —

A lot more involved than he was in the derby last week, finding his feet steadily throughout the match.

Lachlan Wales 5 —

A hapless return for the former Mariner as he found his pace and unpredictability under-utilised by his team.

Bruno Fornaroli 5 —

Should have put away quite a few chances with better poise, but was otherwise kept isolated and unable to contribute as he side rarely sought his involvement.

SUBS

Rostyn Griffiths 6 —

A smart substitution for La Rocca, providing a calmness and respite in midfield.

Scott Jamieson 6 —

The club captain immediately sparked City following his arrival.

Dario Vidosic 7 —

Having just prior seen a Berenguer cross evade him, the former Socceroo provided City’s equaliser following a pinball moment in the box.