A late flurry of goals may have stopped Melbourne City taking maximum points against the Central Coast Mariners, but out of the 2-2 draw, there was plenty of positives to find. Here are the match ratings from Sunday night’s clash.
Match Report > Spirited Mariners outfit deny City
***
GK: Andrew Redmayne – 5.5
The shot-stopper made a couple of good saves throughout the ninety however his positioning for the Trifiro free kick was poor with the former Mariner disappointed to have conceded the goal which led to the late collapse.
RB: Jason Hoffman – 6
The former Jets was solid without being spectacular in his 100th A-League appearance, occasionally combining well with Duff and the midfield trio.
CB: Rob Wielaert – 6.5
The Dutch veteran put in assured outing, combining with his captain in keeping Mitchell Duke quiet with his distribution from the back being very solid throughout the game.
CB: Patrick Kisnorbo – 6.5
Like Wielaert, put in a convincing performance at the heart of the defence where he was largely untroubled by the Mariners attack, dominated aerially and made some vital interceptions.
LB: Iain Ramsay – 6 (1 assist)
The makeshift left back put in a great cross for the opening goal for Dugandzic however at times his defensive work was shaky with Fitzgerald and Sim giving him plenty of trouble out wide.
CM: Erik Paartalu – 7 (1 goal)
Effective display in the middle of the park from a player with a fine goalscoring record against the Mariners which he continued today with his first goal in City colours in the second half.
CM: Liam Miller – 6.5
The short-term signing put in a commanding performance in midfield, chasing down Mariners players and as well displaying some neat touches with JVS stating he is determined to keep the Irishman for a longer period.
★ CM: Jacob Melling – 7.5 ★
The youngster deputised for the absent Mooy and put in an excellent display, coming close to scoring on two occasions with the only blemish on his performance being the needless encroachment which led to Trifiro’s goal.
RW: Mate Dugandzic – 7 (1 goal)
What a difference a goal can do to your confidence. The winger backed up his goal from last week with a classy header in the first half. Combined well with Williams and gave the Mariners defence plenty of problems before fading away in the second half before being subbed off in the 74th minute.
LM: Damien Duff – 7 (1 assist)
Once again the Irishman put in a thoroughly professional display, troubling the his younger opponents on many occasions while also providing the assist for the second goal. However his end product in the final third can be lacking sometimes, with the former Chelsea man yet to score.
ST: David Williams – 6
The striker was a constant menace for the Mariners throughout the first half, being lively and coming close to scoring a spectacular goal. However his 1 on 1 miss in the second half proved to be costly as City blew their 2-0 lead with Williams replaced by Marino just after the hour mark.
SUB: Marc Marino – 6 (on 63′)
Found himself in some good attacking position while also showing some nice touches, however he should have scored with the shot he hit straight into Reddy.
SUB: James Brown – N/A (on 74′)
SUB: Paul Retre – N/A (on 85′)
***
Votes:
3. Jacob Melling – 7.5
2. Erik Paartalu – 7
1. Mate Dugandzic – 7
TCF Melbourne Medal Running Tally:
31 – Aaron Mooy (Melbourne City)
24.5 – Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
22.5 – Damien Duff (Melbourne City)
15.5 – Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Daniel Georgievski (Melbourne Victory)
15.5 – Dylan Murnane (Melbourne Victory)
15 – David Villa (Melbourne City)
15 – Nathan Coe (Melbourne Victory)
14.5 – Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne City)
9 – Leigh Broxham (Melbourne Victory)
9 – Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Gui Finkler (Melbourne Victory)
8.5 – Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Matthieu Delpierre (Melbourne Victory)
8 – Andrew Redmayne (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Melbourne Victory)
7.5 – Jacob Melling (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Paddy Kisnorbo (Melbourne City)
7.5 – Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory)
7 – Erik Paartalu (Melbourne City)