Neither side managed to break the deadlock in a game fought mainly in midfield. Central Coast striker Matt Simon almost came close once while Danny Vukovic was forced into a last minute one-handed save to maintain the deadlock.

But they were rare highlights in a drab game.

The Mariners started slowly but gradually worked their way into the match at the Bluetongue Stadium and were well worth the point that sees them off the mark in Group H.

The home crowd felt the Mariners should have had a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute but their claims for handball were turned down.

But, despite that disappointment, the Mariners went on to enjoy their best period of the match and created several good chances.

Striker Matt Simon struck a low shot straight at the Steelers goalkeeper in the 26th minute and saw another long-range shot go well wide two minutes later.

In the 33rd minute, Simon went on a run and felt he was fouled in the box but the Central Coast striker was penalised for diving and the chance was gone.

Simon had another good opportunity six minutes from half-time but his header from a Pedj Bojic cross was again off target.

The second half was not as open with both teams restricted to attacking on the break.

Striker Nik Mrdja saw a left-foot shot drift wide in the 53rd minute while the Steelers had their best chance in the 61st minute but striker Ristik Stevica headed over the bar from close range.

Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna replaced Mrdja with Adrian Caceres with 17 minutes left to play and the former Melbourne midfielder looked dangerous with every touch.

After an easy night, Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic made his most important contribution of the match in second-half injury-time when his diving save denied Choi Hyo-jin a late winner.