A late Wellington equaliser and three red cards to Central Coast - including coach Nick Montgomery - have added to the recent run of Mariners hiccups, as they were held to a 1-1 A-League Men's draw by Wellington in Gosford.
A clever stoppage-time finish from Polish striker Oskar Zawada earned Wellington a point on Friday, but even Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay admitted the home team were the better side from the time they took the lead through a 12th minute James McGarry goal.
The Mariners had the bulk of the chances until centre back Brian Kaltak was sent off in the 58th minute.
Phoenix dominated territory and possession for the next 20 minutes, but created few chances.
The Mariners then spurned two good opportunities to extend their lead and seal the game, with Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail saving goal-bound shots from substitute Moresche and McGarry.
Wellington, who were playing a fourth straight away game, drew level in the fourth minute of added time, after Zawada scored his 10th goal of the season, with a back flick after the Mariners failed to clear a corner.
Shortly after, Moresche was sent off for retaliation after he jabbed his finger into the face of Scott Wootton, who was booked for holding the Brazilian.
Coach Montgomery, who was booked by referee Jack Morgan for protesting the dismissal of Kaltak, then got a second yellow after another show of dissent.
The point put the Mariners into outright second a point ahead of Adelaide United, but the Gosford-based team have won only one of their last six games.
Wellington drew level on points with Western Sydney, but remained fifth on goal difference.
"I think we weren't at our best but when you're not at your best and you pick up a point away from home, I think its very important," Talay told Paramount Plus.
Talay and the Mariners camp had no issues with Moresche's dismissal but had different opinions about the red card to Kaltak, who was dismissed for the third time this season and the second time in his last three games.
He initially made contact with the ball but then went on to catch David Ball above the ankle.
"I think the challenge on Bally was very dangerous and very high," Talay said.
Mariners legend and now backroom staff member Matt Simon took issue with the decision to dismiss Kaltak.
"I can't understand how that's a red card. His foot bounces up off the ball there's minimal contact," Simon said.
"With VAR there, I know their job is to try and overturn horrific mistakes, but honestly if you're not going to change that one, there's no point in having it."
At the start, the Mariners looked more threatening with McGarry volleying home a cross from fellow New Zealand international Storm Roux.
Former Phoenix defender McGarry scored in just his third game for the Mariners since joining from Newcastle. His only previous goal this season had been for the Jets against Wellington.
Both sides had a number of chances in a frantic period before halftime, but the Mariners paid the price for not converting their late opportunities.
