To the delight of the crowd of 4848 at Central Coast Stadium, the Mariners went into the sheds with a 2-0 lead after a dominant first half where they scrapped to defend.

However, a rousing half-time speech from Adelaide coach Gertjan Verbeek had immediate effect, with Ben Halloran nailing a screaming goal little more than a minute after play resumed to set up a tense final term.

The Reds returned to the field a different-looking team and the Mariners had a few lucky escapes midway through the second-half as they battled to hold on for their home fans.

They had plenty to cheer about earlier when youngster Kye Rowles swept in a goal in the fourth minute, starting the match on a high note for the inexperienced side.

Milan Duric, who scored a brilliant goal from outside the box late in the first-half, was given a standing ovation from fans when he was subbed off in the 69th minute.

The Mariners will play Perth at Central Coast Stadium on New Years Eve - a rematch to their round four win at HBF Park, while Adelaide will face Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium on Friday.

AAP