Central Coast Mariners have missed the chance to move within six points of Brisbane Roar at the summit of the A-League standings after being held to a 1-1 draw by Wellington Phoenix.

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The Mariners took a 17th-minute lead through striker Matt Simon, who smashed past goalkeeper Glen Moss from inside the area.

The visitors failed to build on their advantage and were pegged back on the stroke of half time courtesy of Kenny Cunningham, whose left-footed effort sailed past keeper Liam Reddy and nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Phil Moss's men spurned the opportunity to re-establish their lead on 69 minutes after Trent Sainsbury was fouled in the area, only for Daniel McBreen to fluff his lines from 12 yards and fire the resulting penalty over the crossbar.

It proved as close as either team would come to edging ahead in the contest and Phoenix held on for a point.