The Mariners emerged with a point to prove; their status as the only winless side in the competition worsened by the turnaround fortunes of perennial strugglers Wellington Phoenix.

While both sides scuppered early, in a derby gift for the Central Coast, Matt Simon popped up with his second goal of the season on the 36th minute.

Mike Mulvey's side held a well-earned lead into the break, but when Connor Pain couldn't convert a guilt-edged chance early in the second, Newcastle struck back through a scrambling header from Jason Hoffman.

Newcastle could have had a second soon after, once again through lackadaisical Mariners' defending of crosses, but Kaine Sheppard's header was overruled due to an offside call. Central Coast's tender grip wouldn't last, however, Ronny Vargas smashing home a volley soon after.

"It's a derby," Vargas said. 

"We are mature enough to see these sort of things and win with our mentality - it was a good mentality, good performance, and we're happy with the three points.

"Difficult weather, it's starting to be hot in Australia and the pitch wasn't as we expected, but in the end we are going back with the three points."

Things went from worse to horrible for the home side after that, Aiden O'Neill departed injured after his side's three subs had been made, leaving the Coast with 10 men.

While expectations in Gosford have fallen year-on-year, Mulvey now has to face the pressure. While the loss of Ross McCormack and injuries to key figures have undoubtedly hampered a shoestring squad, indisciplined, timid defensive issues remain unresolved.

"We're doing all the right things, we're putting in good performances but we've got to find a way to win," Matt Millar said.

"We had little lapses in concentration, we did it for 89 minutes. I feel good but you want to be in a winning team, so hopefully we can turn it around."