FOR the second week running, a Melbourne Victory side has clinched an against-the-odds result, this time frustrating the Central Coast Mariners with a scoreless draw, despite missing a legion of top-line players, including two on international duty and two who were suspended after being sent off in last weekend's dramatic 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar.

But the point was gained by only millimetres, after a first-half goal-mouth scramble came perilously close to ending in a Mariners goal.

Viva Vargas: Central Coast's Bernie Ibini loses the ball to Victory defender Rody Vargas last night. Credit:Getty Images

Amid an otherwise tepid first 45 minutes - more remarkable for the players' struggles on the over-watered pitch than quality soccer - Victory managed to survive not one, but two, close shaves within seconds in front of 10,521 fans.

The wet ball nearly haunted Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas when a seemingly benign shot from Michael McGlinchey slid through his hands. Rody Vargas spared the keeper's blushes by clearing the ball on the line.