Last night it was knock-outs and eye-gouging in Adelaide, this afternoon it was a large inebriated man, on crutches, sporting a moonboot and a Wallabies jersey in Gosford.

Just how this specimen of physical endurance made it past security and onto the field completely unimpaired is a mystery that only Australian football can conjure. 

Unfortunately for Mike Mulvey that's where the miracles ended. The Mariners were missing Kalifa Cisse, Tommy Oar and Ross McCormack against the defending premiers, but a torpid opening half hour from Sydney saw Matty Simon give Central Coast an unlikely lead.

The captain tucked home Matt Millar's cross unmarked in the centre of the six yard box to show Sydney what they've been missing. Judging by the amount of failed long balls and Steve Corica's pleas for another January striker, it's likely he's already aware.

The Sky Blues needed a lifeline and eventually Jack Clisby needlessly clipped Rhyan Grant on the edge of the box, sending Adam Le Fondre to the spot for a smashing equaliser.

Unfortunately for a sparse Mariners crowd this failed to bring the game to life. Sydney remained lethargic while Central Coast's determination was expectedly lacking quality.

Ultimately a moment of brilliance from Brandon O'Neill created the actual highlight of the contest, a top corner blast from 30 yards showing why the English Championship is beckoning, sparing a few blushes for his boss in the process.

"First and foremost the three points. It was probably out worst game all year, first half was diabolical. There's probably not much to say, but three points is three points.

"I've been hoping to bag a few more goals, I thought why not hit one and it went in."