In many ways, it was a tale of two halves, but the Mariners had all the late chances to win the game, so there are some rough ratings for Victory’s superstars.

Here’s how they performed:

MELBOURNE VICTORY

Lawrence Thomas - 6

A little shaky in his distribution, but couldn’t do anything about the Mariners’ goal.

Jason Geria - 7

Very influential in the first half, and made a few fantastic runs to open up the Mariners, but consistently went down too easily and showed a lack of ambition.

Rhys Williams - 7

Involved at both ends and generally quick to react.

Thomas Deng - 6.5  

A few rash tackles but solid when he needed to be.

Mark Milligan - 6

Showed his quality at times - that cracking blocked volley springs to mind - but disturbingly lacked composure and couldn’t hold possession.

Leigh Broxham - 7

Performed strongly and committed to winning every ball, but was sold short defensively and suffered as a result.

Carl Valeri - 5

Disappeared in the second half when he wasn’t dragging down De Silva or Hoole. Poor performance from the Victory skipper.

James Troisi - 6

Constantly on the ball in the first half and exhibited some clinical passing, but sloppy when it mattered, and mixed himself up with some clumsy defending.

Kosta Barbarouses - 5

Slow first half but worked his way into the game and started the second brightly, just to vanish again almost immediately.

Undoubtedly a more skilful, experienced player than Mitch Austin or Jai Ingham, but there are question marks over his work rate.

Mitchell Austin - 5

Very quiet overall, seems to fade in and out of games without any huge influence.

Leroy George - 8.5

Move over Ross McCormack, George’s set piece was even better. Heavily involved, silky on the ball and a powerful presence in the box make him the only Victory standout.

Jai Ingham - 6

Couldn’t get involved, but the Victory were basically holding on by the point he came on.

Christian Theoharous - N/A

Not on long enough to give a fair rating

Matias Sanchez - N/A

Not on long enough to give a fair rating

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Tom Glover - 6.5

A couple of strong contributions, but didn’t have much to do in the second half.

Storm Roux - 6

Went off injured at half time, but never looked truly fit throughout the match.

Josh Rose - 7

A couple of cheap turnovers, but was generally quick to react and solid defensively. His no-nonsense, take no prisoners approach saved the Mariners on a couple of occasions.     

Antony Golec - 7

Almost gave away a goal with over confident forward pressing, but an imposing figure at times, and committed to the cause.

Alan Baró - 7

Commanding presence, albeit slightly slow to respond, although Victory didn’t work him hard enough.

Jake McGing - 7.5

Quick to move the ball, which allowed the Mariners to settle and keep possession after taking the lead.

Pressed forward and delivered crosses, and suddenly looks as if he can be a fullback after all.

Wout Brama - 7

Physically strong and improved considerably on his opening defensive performances for the Mariners, but still too lackadaisical in possession.

Tom Hiariej - 8      

Consistent, smooth passing, brilliant movement and a fantastic final ball, still questionable physicality, but he’s a calming influence on the Central Coast.

Daniel De Silva - 8

He gets sleeker every week – he’s still young and not infallible – but the potential is certainly there for something great.      

Connor Pain - 7.5

Very quiet in the first half, and not for the first time this season went missing for long periods.

Redeemed himself by slicing a brilliant finish into the top corner to give the Mariners the lead, and almost belted in a second minutes later.

Asdrúbal - 6

Looked intent on causing problems, but didn’t see enough of the ball.

Andrew Hoole - 7       

Inconsistent set pieces but looked dangerous going forward, and looks to be reigniting some lost potential. Got an assist but it was all Pain’s glory.

Kwabena Appiah - 7

Immediately promising and provided a brilliant run where he easily evaded Thomas, but missed an open goal. Still top marks for effort. 

Josh Bingham - N/A

Not on long enough to give a fair rating