Hardly a classic, the game only really sparked in the final quarter with both sides having a number of chances to take all three points.

Adam Kwasnik was denied by a fine stop from Eugene Galekovic while Matt Leckie almost sneaked it for Adelaide.

It was an unhappy night for the Mariners' Matt Crowell who earned a red card in the final minutes of the clash.

Adelaide had a penalty appeal rejected in the 82nd minute when Leckie was brought down in a Dean Heffernan tackle, but proceedings quickly turned in their favour when the Mariners had Crowell sent off for his second bookable offence.

They were not able to take advantage of the sending off though, with an Alemao header and Fabian Barbiero coming close, but Danny Vukovic was up to the task in goals.

There were a few genuine chances in the first half but neither team was able to capitalise.

The Mariners nearly had the ideal start, a through ball had midfielder Pedj Bojic one-on-one with United keeper Eugene Galekovic but he failed to finish.

Travis Dodd was playing like a man with point to prove. Early on he put a dangerous cross through the middle of the box which was unlucky not to find an oncoming attacker. He came within inches of scoring the game's first goal after he toyed with Nigel Boogard on the left side of the box and sent a right foot shot curling just wide of the far post.

Kristian Sarkies also went close to putting Adelaide ahead with a long range attempt that was just shy of the cross bar.

Matt Simon also went close to scoring late in the first half, the fist of Galekovic just getting to the ball before he could take advantage of his unmarked position two metres from goal.

It took until the 55th minute for the game's first two shots on target, both were attributed to Mariners midfielder Crowell.

John Hutchinson nearly headed in a Dean Heffernan cross as the Mariners took their attack up a notch, with Nicky Travis also going close when he turned to shoot in the 64th minute.

Leckie had a good opportunity for Adelaide with a darting run through sliding defenders that led to a solid shot, albeit off target.

Central Coast had the best chance to break the deadlock in the 73rd minute, Hutchison took the ball at the top of the box, put it to Simon on his left and he found Adam Kwasnik at the goalmouth whose shot forced an excellent diving save from Galekovic.