Editor
After what can only be described as the worst work in the A-League’s history, the focus finally returns to the field this afternoon with Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory vying for the right to meet Brisbane in next week’s grand final. Join us for live scores and blog from 5.00pm AEST.
After being the best side in the competition for the majority of the home and away season, the Mariners now find themselves in a sudden-death situation this evening.
Lose, and the dream of that elusive A-League Championship fades into the distance for yet another year.
And while the history books certainly favour the side who finishes top two in this fixture, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Mariners might not have it all their own way tonight.
Since the turn of the year, Perth have been close to the most consistent team in the competition and following two home wins in the first two weeks of the finals, they travel east bursting with the confidence to win this one.
For his side to win tonight, Graham Arnold must find a way to plug the gap in the middle of the park that has been left since the departure of Rostyn Griffiths to China.
Steven McGarry, Liam Miller and Jacob Burns are experienced, hardened professionals and if they are allowed to dictate terms in the midfield they’ll be difficult to stop.
It’s an evenly-matched contest and for all fans of the A-League and Australian football in general, it would be wonderful to see a great final in front of a solid crowd at Bluetongue.
It’s time for the focus to return to the pitch. It’s sudden death A-League football, and we’ll be covering the match from start to finish with minute by minute observations from 5.00pm AEST. If you’re watching, listening or following along, let us know your thoughts in the space below.