In-form Central Coast Mariners forced to settle for a draw in Wellington

There were no goals in the A-League’s top-of-the-table clash in Wellington on Tuesday.

Mariners defender Brian Kaltak (left) tries to halt the progress of Phoenix attacker: Oskar van Hattum at Sky Stadium on Tuesday. Picture: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images

Central Coast extended its unbeaten A-League run to 12 matches but missed the chance to move to the top of the A-League ladder on Tuesday in Wellington.

Needing a win to leapfrog the first-placed Phoenix, the Mariners were held to a 0-0 draw by the hosts.

The Mariners – whose title defence has gathered significant momentum after four straight losses to start the season – finished the match strongly, with the in-form Angel Torres, midfielder Max Balard and fullback Mikael Doka all having late shots that failed to find the back of the net.

In front of their best home crowd of the season of 12,301, the Phoenix had been hopeful of celebrating Waitangi Day – New Zealand’s national day – with a win, which would have extended their lead at the top of the ladder to five points.

However, they rarely threatened, with a flying 44th-minute header from veteran attacker Kosta Barbarouses the closest the Phoenix came to scoring.

Wellington’s Ben Old (left) battles with the Mariners’ Christian Theoharous in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Sky Stadium. Picture: Mark Tantrum/Getty Images

Wellington skipper Alex Rufer lamented his team’s failure to penetrate in attack.

“We were good with the ball, we were patient, but we just lacked the final product,” Rufer told Sky Sport.

“We’ll take the point. They’re a good team.”

Mariners captain Danny Vukovic said the teams “cancelled each other out”.

“Wellington are a great side,” the veteran goalkeeper said.

“They defend really well as a team. They battle for each other. I see a lot of similarities between both teams.”

The Mariners are in action again on Saturday night when they host Sydney FC.

The Phoenix also play on Saturday at home against cellar dwellers Western United.

Originally published as In-form Central Coast Mariners forced to settle for a draw in Wellington