A commendable performance from Mariners’ goalkeeper, Ben Kennedy could only keep the City forwards goalless for so long. Eventually, a clever class from Kennedy’s opposite number provided the hosts with the opening and only goal.

City, whose week had been rocked by the departure of Tim Cahill, now sit comfortably in third on the ladder. Meanwhile, Central Coast remain in the top half and will hope to rediscover their form next week, against a deflated Western Sydney side.

MELBOURNE CITY

Dean Bouzanis - 8

Only had to make a couple of saves and made more of a contribution to the game with his feet. The City keeper constantly looked to find a winger with a diagonal long ball, one of which created the only goal of the game.

Nathaniel Atkinson - 7

One of City’s most creative players in the first half and was very impressive when in control of the ball. Thanks to Osama Malik filling in at right-back, Atkinson had a licence to roam forwards in possession and ask questions of the Mariners’ defence.

Iacopo La Rocca - 7

The Italian left the visiting attackers goalless and frustrated after a confident performance. Was Bart Schenkeveld’s assistant on the night, but still consistent throughout.

Bart Schenkeveld - 8

Gave Kwabena Appiah little space to roam in the final third and was glued to the striker’s back at every opportunity. Took no chances with any loose balls and was the most dominant presence on the field.

Scott Jamieson - 6.5

Gave the ball away too easily on occasions, but also whipped in some promising crosses for McCormack. An average performance from the 29-year-old.

Michael Jakobsen - 7.5

A well-rounded performance in the midfield from the Dane. Fierce but measured when challenging for the ball and creative when in possession.

Osama Malik - 6.5

Returned from suspension and ended up playing in the unfamiliar role of right-back. Despite some awkward first touches, Malik did enough to aid his side’s defensive record.

Luke Brattan - 8

A key player in City’s win, covering every blade of grass and producing countless opportunities for his side. His persistency paid off when he slipped a ball through to Ross McCormack, who converted without any trouble.

Stefan Mauk - 7

Found himself through on goal, thanks to a City counter attack, but failed to convert in the 25th minute. Made a goal-saving block in stoppage time to keep the scores level.

Nicholas Fitzgerald - 7

Not the winger’s best performance, but still a threatening sight for defenders with the ball stuck to his feet. Forever looking to take on players or create a string of first-time passes.

Ross McCormack - 7.5

Should have opened the scoring eight minutes in, with an unmarked header at the back post. However, the Scotsman made up for his earlier miss by scoring from close range, despite Kennedy’s best efforts.

SUBS

Braedyn Crowley – did not see enough of the ball to receive a fair rating.

 

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Ben Kennedy - 7.5

The Mariners could have easily been three down at half-time if it wasn’t for the shot stopper. Would have been bitterly disappointed to concede after a sublime first half.  

Jake McGing - 5

An uneasy performance from McGing, who made a number of mistakes on and off the ball.

Alan Baro - 6.5

After being booked early on for a mistimed tackle, the Spaniard had to tread carefully for the remainder of the match. With that considered, Baro did his best to keep McCormack quiet for as long as possible.

Anthony Golec - 6

Made a handful of errors at the back, often with his feet. Alongside Baro, the duo did their best to keep the prolific McCormack quiet, but failed on this occasion.

Joshua Rose - 5.5

Did not assist Pain with his ventures as much as he could, leaving the winger isolated with only one option. Also struggled to keep up with the tricky feet of young opponent, Atkinson.

 

Wout Brama - 7.5

A calm, decisive head when in possession, who led by example and was often the man to break up any loose City passes.  

Liam Rose - 6.5

The youngster was given the hard task of meeting Mauk and Jakobsen in the middle of the park and held his own. Accompanied by Brama, the midfielders looked to keep possession and find the space ahead.

Andrew Hoole – 5.5

An inconsistent 90 minutes from Hoole, whose dead-ball delivery fell short on this occasion.

Daniel De Silva - 6.5

Saved a McCormack header off the line, only eight minutes in. Had to drop deeper to find possession in the second half, where his impact on the game was limited.  

Connor Pain - 6.5

Disappeared at times throughout the game, but when on the ball, Pain gave the City defence something to think about. Cutting in on his right foot or sprinting down the flank, the 24-year-old was constantly looking for an opening.

Kwabena Appiah - 4

Was often out-muscled by the boisterous City defenders and spent most of the game with his back to goal.

SUBS

Blake Powell - 5

After a frustrating performance from Appiah, Powell entered the fray hoping to provide his side with an alternative option. Despite not levelling the score, Powell looked slightly better than the man he replaced.

Trent Buhagiar – did not see enough of the ball to receive a fair rating.

Adam Berry – did not see enough of the ball to receive a fair rating.