Wellington Phoenix were in trouble when they arrived at the picture perfect Central Coast Stadium to face a desperate Mariners outfit who were coming off three consecutive losses and fighting to keep pace with the top six.

There were a few changes for the home side with the return of two suspended players in Wout Brama and Jake McGing. Meanwhile Wellington welcomed back from injury the prolific Roy Krishna, who has been missing for far too long for Darije Kalezic’s liking.

A good crowd turned out for the now annual fixture but it took a while for the game to get going with a stop start first-half from both sides. Ben Kennedy the busier of the two goalkeepers with some great saves and was not required nearly as much in the second half as the Mariners midfield took control.

Plenty of chances created but alas, no breakthrough, and a scoreless draw is probably the last thing either side needed.

So how did the players perform individually? We’re glad you asked….

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy – 8

Great save low to his left to deny Kaluderovic and added another from Krishna late in the first half. As busy as he was in the first half, he was equally not troubled in the second.

Jake McGing – 6.5

A good return from the tall right-back but a lot of the play went down the Mariners left.

Alan Baro – 6.5

Some key blockages and challenges to help contribute to the clean sheet.

Antony Golec – 6

Like Baro, cleared his lines well and got in the way when required.

Kye Rowles – 6

Didn’t quite link with Connor Pain as they weren’t on the same wave length.