Newcastle Jets

Glen Moss - 6

Didn’t have a lot to do in the first half and was bailed out by his defence a few times in the second - could have claimed a few more crosses.

Lachlan Jackson - 7

Fairly physically imposing and made a few key clearances but outdone on a few corners and low crosses that he could have dealt with.

Nikolai Topor-Stanley - 6

Scored but it was ruled out for offside, often caught the wrong side of onrushing Mariners attackers. Few solid clearances.

Johnny Koutroumbis - 7

Caught out by the Mariners’ quick counters on occasion but he often recovered well.

Daniel Georgievski - 7

Typically threatening going forward but his crossing was a little off. Tracked back excellently and came up with a few key defensive interceptions as well.

Ivan Vujica - 8

Very solid defensive output, saved at least one goal through a determined goal line clearance and then transitioned play effectively to boot. He was always one to watch as a youngster, performances like these show he has to kick on.

Steven Ugarkovic - 8

Strong passing and excellent driving runs, physically throwing off challenges. But his final product lacks a little - after pushing from midfield into the final third, he's delivery was weak.

Nick Cowburn - 6

Offered some composed defending and made some timely interceptions, a few more Jack Clisby crosses would have gone through without his work rate. Still, he was outplayed numerous times.

Dimitri Petratos - 7

He offered driving runs in a free role, creating opportunities and belting down the flanks. Typically excellent free kicks, he and Georgievski are two very exciting, consistent forward runners.

Kaine Sheppard - 8

Copped a few knocks, one resulting in a lot of blood, but remained a genuine threat. His passing and flick-ons are another highlight, and his goal was well-deserved. 

Roy O'Donovan - 7

He had a few key moments early but nothing too dangerous, unable to impose himself in the first half. Apart from assisting the game's only goal - he combines fairly well with Sheppard - he was a little listless for a derby against his former club.

Subs

Ronald Vargas - 5

Couldn't impose himself on the match as the Mariners were doing most of the attacking after his arrival.

Jair - 5

Another subpar performance. He really hasn't hit the heights this season.

Mitch Austin - 6

Had a golden chance late in the match but he isn't a clinical finisher. There were very few of those at McDonald Jones Stadium tonight.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy - 6

Neither goalkeeper made any special saves, Kennedy merely unlucky that Moss didn't ship a few more in the end. 

Kye Rowles - 6

Defensively solid but looked a little off the pace in the opening 20 minutes. 

Jonathan Aspropotamitis - 7

Very keen, quick to react. Like Rowles, didn't quite stand up to the pressure in the first half but played a substantial role as the match wore on in heaping pressure onto the Jets.

Aiden O'Neill - 7

He’s been a star-turn in the Mariners’ backline but he also pushes into defensive midfield with ease, no matter where he’s playing. An interesting choice for captain in Matt Simon’s absence, he showed decisiveness and quality on the ball.

Matthew Millar - 7

Always a threat, this time in a slightly reduced role as Central Coast targeted the other flank. Became more involved as the match developed.

Jack Clisby - 8

Excelled with greater responsibility, pushing the Mariners forward at every occasion. Should have had an assist after cutting a ball straight across the face and played a huge role in Central Coast’s resurgence towards the end of the first half.

Jacob Melling - 8

He mops up well, he’s determined and he can even break through the lines, shrug off a few other midfielders and push at a defence, but it’s those world-class defensive midfielder attributes where he’s lacking. Long passing and shooting just aren’t his forte.

Tom Hiariej - 6

Withdrawn at halftime after the Mariners struggled and replaced with Joshua Nisbet.

Andrew Hoole - 7

Played his heart out in front of a hostile crowd but, and not for the first time this season, couldn’t offer enough quality in creativity.

Jordan Murray - 6

He’s not Matt Simon, but Mike Mulvey expected him to play a similar role. He can head the ball well, but he doesn’t haven’t that nous to influence a match without touching the ball.

Missed a few sitters late in the match, and while you can point to the determination of Jackson and Vujica, Murray's complacency cost his team three points.

Michael McGlinchey - 6

Fairly disappointing first half and while he had chances in the second, couldn't convert.

Subs

Joshua Nisbet - 7

A very fine showing from the youngster, didn't try to do anything too complicated but recycled possession excellently, showed some excellent decision making and restraint.

Connor Pain - 6

Unable to impose himself on the match in the manner we're becoming accustomed to.

Peter Kekeris - N/A