Mariners hold Gold Coast in fiery encounter

The Central Coast Mariners and Gold Coast have fought out an entertaining - and at times physical - 1-1 draw tonight.

Central Coast Mariners 1 (Mrdja pen 68th)
Gold Coast United 1 (Porter 66th)
Sent-off: N. Boogaard (CCM) 91st

Without a victory since late November, the Mariners went into this clash knowing that anything less than a victory would prove disastrous for their finals hopes.

The first half saw the visitors dominate proceedings, as the Mariners were forced back from the pressure being exerted by the Gold Coast midfield.

The Mariners came out with more intensity after the interval, winning more possession in the middle of the park and forcing the Gold Coast into a more defensive approach.

Just when it looked like the Mariners were taking control of proceedings and the more likely team to score, Joel Porter was on hand to tap in a close range shot as the Mariners defence failed to clear a corner in the 66th minute to give Gold Coast the lead.

But almost immediately from the kickoff, the Mariners were back on level terms after Gold Coast defender Van Den Brink fouled Nick Mrdja, who stepped up to slot home the resultant penalty.

Tempers erupted moments later as both sides became embroiled in a mid-pitch brawl as Gold Coast players protested against Central Coast's John Hutchinson, who was very lucky not to be sent off for a late tackle on Gold Coast's Caravella.

The match was now end to end action as both sides pushed for the winner.

The Mariners lost Nigel Boogaard in the 91st minute when he was sent off for a second bookable offence, meaning he misses next week's trip to Perth.

Kristian Rees could have sealed the win for Gold Coast, but he was unable to get his header on target from a Gold Coast corner in the final minute of action. It was to be the last chance as the final whistle brought an end to the action.