The under pressure Mariners desperately needed their fortunes to change to win the match. While, the hot-and-cold Phoenix went into this clash with a slight boost of confidence following their 2-1 win over Perth Glory last week.

An encouraged Mariners went on a rampaging start, as they threw balls into the area and nullified their opponents the chance to go on the counter-attack for most part of the first half.

But Paul Okon’s men lacked the final product, which has played a huge part in their downfall this year. Until a hungry De Silva broke the deadlock on the eve of half-time, to showcase how it is done.

Wellington couldn’t take or create clear-cut chances, and De Silva’s opener ultimately secured the 1-0 result.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy (GK) - 6.5

Had little to do in the first half as Wellington relied on counter-attacking football to get balls into the area. Made a few routine saves in the second.

Storm Roux - 6

Took the game on and regularly made cut-backs and runs forward. Gave possession away several times.

Alan Baro - 7

Halted attack on countless occasions and stood firm for most of the game.

Antony Golec - 7.5

Stood his ground in the first 45, and anticipated interceptions in key areas. Few minor errors but wasn’t troubled after they were made.

Jake McGing - 6.5

Applied pressure and made positive moves and passes.

Wout Brama - 5.5

Returned after suspension and was quite solid. Didn’t play a huge part in the match.

Daniel De Silva - 8

Broke the deadlock with a great finish after a dangerous start to bullet forward at every chance he received.

Tom Hiariej - 8

Controlled the strings with pin-point, intelligent passes forward. Really put the ball on a silver platter for his teammates with his range. Came off with groin soreness.

Peter Skapetis - 6.5

Granted his first start for the Mariners and looked encouraging. Skidded a header across the face of goal, on an acute angle.

Trent Buhagiar - 7.5

Was imposing on the contest early and made runs into the area, paired with great passing and crossing. Really ran himself into the ground for his side, and was one of their best on the park.

Andrew Hoole - 7

Was able to find space, and was rewarded with an assist to Skapetis.

SUBS

Blake Powell – 6

Looked to make crucial runs forward.

Jacob Melling – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.

Connor Pain – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.

 

Wellington Phoenix

Tando Velaphi (GK) - 6

Mostly untroubled in the early stages due to his defensive line, but wasn’t able to stop De Silva’s goal.

Scott Galloway - 6.5

Had great awareness in stages of the first period to cut across and break down attack.

Andrew Durante – 7.5

Quite solid defensively bar the opener. Cleared Hoole’s chance off of the goal line.

Dylan Fox - 6

Deflected shots out of play and made vital clearances in moments where Central Coast could have potentially doubled their lead.

Tom Doyle - 7

Courageous and aware start to get in front and defused attack on several occasions. Had a lot to do at left-back for his side. Could have done better defending De Silva with the goal.

Sarpreet Singh - 4.5

Did well to get in between the lines and try a shot. Didn’t provide for his side unlike last week’s heroics.

Matthew Ridenton - 6

Did slow down De Silva in the opening minutes of the half, but was fairly quiet.

Matija Ljujic - 6

Tracked back to claim possession and start the counter. Needed the killer ball from him but he couldn’t connect or provide much.

Roy Krishna – 7

A slow start in the first half, didn’t take risks and wasted opportunities. Got going in the second and came agonisingly close to levelling as he couldn’t keep his shot down and it hit the crossbar. Also made a dashing run forward and hit the side-netting. His next whipped in cross for Kaludjerovic was superb, but his teammate couldn’t capitalise.

Andrija Kaludjerovic - 5

Persisted towards the end of the half but had no real clear-cut chance. Had a great effort on goal but couldn’t execute.

Nathan Burns - 3

Lacked conviction and the quality to see play before it happens as well as having a chance of his own. Did his side no favours and definitely looked off.

Michael McGlinchey – 6

Looked to get himself into the game but proved too late for the Nix.

Monty Patterson – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.

Goran Paracki – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.