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.

Daniel De Silva – 5.5

Failed to have an influence until the game opened up late. Not a performance to grab the attention of any potential Socceroos manager.

Tom Hiariej – 6

Was challenged by Kaluderovic and Krishna who dropped back to get the ball but wasn’t overly influential.

Andrew Hoole – 7

What a ball from Hoole to give Connor Pain an early chance. He was probably one of the more creative players on the park throughout the night. Subbed with 13 minutes to go.

Wout Brama – 7

Was everywhere tonight. Displayed his full range of skills with some beautiful line-splitting passes, as well as getting back to help the back four.

Connor Pain – 6.5

Timing of his runs was off early but managed to fire a few balls into the box from out on the left. Shot from distance to force a fumble from Lewis Italiano but his teammates couldn’t capitalize.

Asdrubal – 6

Some creative touches early but his team-mates couldn’t get him enough opportunities. Came off with about 20 minutes to play.

SUBS

Blake Powell – 6

The 68th minute sub for Asdrubal tried to spark the Mariners into life. Got into the box and it almost fell for him late but the Nix cleared their lines well.

Storm Roux – 6.5

The 68th minute sub for Kye Rowles found himself in unfamiliar territory on the left. Positive without being spectacular. Should be back in the starting lineup soon.

Kwabena Appiah – 7

Sub for Andrew Hoole and given 13 minutes. Used the trick stick to get through two defenders shortly after coming on to win a corner. Extremely positive contribution but couldn’t cap it off with a goal.

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano – 7

Had a bit to do early and a bit to do late – but not much in between as the Mariners front men failed to have much of an impact.

Scott Galloway – 7

Got forward with some positive runs up and down the right.

Marco Rossi – 6.5

Booked in the 24th minute after Hoole got the better of him. Gave a few cheap free kicks away but none did any damage.

Andrew Durante – 7.5

Back in the starting XI the stalwart was exceptionally strong for his side and rose to every challenge. A great turnout from the A-League veteran.

Daniel Mullen – 6.5

Got in the way of any Mariners forays forward and blocked shots with his body well.

Matthew Ridenton – 6

Missed the best opportunity of the first half when he skied a shot from six yards out, and had another late when one-on-one with Kennedy. Not sure if playing that far forward is his best position.

Goran Paracki – 7

Not a bad night for the Croatian. Strode forward and distributed well to his teammates.

Michael McGlinchey – 6.5

Up against the club he played more than 100 games for and combined with Paracki and Krishna well. No killer balls though when they were needed.

Tom Doyle – 6.5

Busy first half high on the left for the Nix and opened up space for others. Quieter in the second half and faded as the game went on.

Roy Krishna – 7.5

What a difference the Fijian flyer makes. Some great runs, shoots on sight and just brought so much positivity to their play. Sent Ridenton through in the 44th minute with a beauty of a pass. Seventy-nine very good minutes.

Andrija Kaluderovic – 7

Almost snuck past Kennedy in the 17th minute and was a positive target man for the Nix. Unfortunately couldn’t get enough ball in the second half to make a huge contribution.

SUBS

Adam Parkhouse – 6

The 79th minute substitute ried to get involved in his limited time but not enough ball to make a difference.

Dylan Fox – N/A

Came on in the 88th minute for Marco Rossi to help bolster the defence. 

Sarpreet Singh – N/A

Came on in the 94th minute.