Central Coast and Brisbane share points after Gosford battle

Honours ended even in Sunday's contest between Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar as the two Hyundai A-League strugglers played out a 1-1 draw in Gosford.

Matt Millar scored his first Hyundai A-League goal to hand the Mariners a 3rd minute lead but Luke De Vere responded with a header on the stroke of first half stoppage time to ensure a share of the points.

The Mariners entered the clash aiming to kick on from Wednesday's drought-breaking triumph over Melbourne City and were handed the perfect start when Millar danced past the Roar defence and coolly stroked home his maiden Hyundai A-League strike.

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Brisbane were under the pump following Millar's effort but steadied and it took a brilliant goal-line clearance from Kye Rowles to prevent Henrique from restoring parity late in the opening period. 

However, the visitors would equalise moments later through De Vere, who ghosted in at the back post to powerfully head Brisbane level on the cusp of the interval.

Jacob Melling took matters into his own hands to restore the Mariners' advantage, first flashing a fierce drive inches over the post and forcing an outstanding save from Jamie Young with a similarly powerful strike from distance.

Millar continued to threaten down the right flank and Matt Simon came close as Central Coast pushed for a winner, but Mike Mulvey's men were made to settle for a point which keeps them on the bottom of the ladder, two points shy of ninth-placed Roar.