One of the A-League's most pulsating games of the season so far came to an end after 100 minutes of football as Central Coast Mariners somehow saw off Melbourne Victory 3-2 after two late penalties.
Melbourne Victory
Lawrence Thomas - 5
Got nowhere near Simon’s great penalties.
Anthony Lesiotis - 4.5
Played out of position again at right back and was withdrawn remarkably early in the second half.
James Donachie - 4
Struggled first with the presence of Murray and Simon and gave away the first penalty.
Leigh Broxham - 4
A very dangerous tackler and was foolish in challenging McGlinchey in the dying seconds.
Adama Traore - 5
Offered little until his deep cross led to Victory’s second goal. Steady in defence unlike those beside him.
Migjen Basha - 3.5
Poor in possession, poor going forward, poor in defence, poor in tackling. Deservedly hooked by his coach Kurz. Victory surely have better midfield options.
Jakob Poulsen - 4.5
Steadier than the woeful Basha but his deliveries weren’t up to the standard required.
Andrew Nabbout - 6.5
A constant threat in attack with his dribbling and positivity. Will be key in the rest of Victory’s campaign.
Elvis Kamsoba - 5.5
Not as reliable in his convictions as Kruse and Nabbout in attack but was always willing to run at the Mariners defence.
Kristijan Dobras - 6
Scored the opener with the aid of a wicked deflection but was quiet afterwards.
Robbie Kruse - 7
His experience and talent were clear to see, especially in the opening half. Victory will be very happy when Ola Toivonen and the Australian can link up in attack in the coming rounds.
Substitutes
Storm Roux - 4.5
Came on in his customary right back position but was wasteful with passes that put his side under needless pressure.
Kenny Athiu - 4
His only moment of note was drawing the ire of Nabbout after he got in the way of a useful cross reaching his teammate.
Jay Barnett - 4
Didn’t have many chances to impact proceedings as all the late VAR drama unfolded.
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