CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Ben Kennedy – 6

Got down well to his left to deny Riera’s header. Left for dead by his central defenders for Elrich’s freak goal, as the Mariners let the ball bounce in their own six yard box – but he’ll also be disappointed he let it in. No chance for the second goal as Sotirio picked out the corner.

Matt Millar – 7

Didn’t get forward with his regular vigour, but his forays were noticeably effective. Took on Elrich and teed up Murray towards the end of the first half, but his striker shot straight at Janjetovic. Had the Mariners’ best chance with an awkward volley, but Janjetovic was able to tip it over the crossbar. Sacrificed for Mallon as Mulvey chased the game.

Sam Graham – 7

The newly-arrived loanee looked comfortable on debut, giving Riera plenty of close physical attention whenever the Spaniard was near.

Jonathan Aspropotamitis – 6

Copped a bloody knock to the head from Riera in the first half, and returned with a Terry Butcher-style bandage for the rest of the game. Captaining the side at his tender age shows how highly Mulvey rates him, and has done well to return from a serious injury, but still needs to work on his positioning in the heart of the back three, and was caught out by Sotirio for the second goal.

Kye Rowles – 5

Done by the pace of Sotirio a couple of times in the first half, and should have done more to get his head on Elrich’s cross-cum-shot which ended up in the net. Has been a weak point for the Mariners in multiple games this season.

Connor Pain – 6

Doesn’t look completely at home as a wing back yet, but he has the down-the-line pace and directness to make it work. Didn’t get the better of Russell very often, and the Mariners forwards were starved of service.

Aiden O'Neill – 6

Protected his backline well in the first half, but the game changed when they conceded, and the Mariners midfield couldn’t really change gears.

Jem Karacan – 6.5

Clearly has the pedigree to succeed in the A-League, but the reactive way in which the Mariners set up has a limiting effect on his influence. Screened the defence effectively but couldn’t provide a creative spark in the second half.

Tom Hiariej - 6

A couple of nice touches in the first half, and was cynically fouled by Hamill when he turned the Wanderers captain in transition. Nothing of real substance, however, and was substituted at halftime.