Fighting words by Central Coast almost came to fruition but in the end it was Queensland Roar who delivered the knockout blow in the A-League minor semi-final second leg clash on Friday night.
The Mariners vowed to come out swinging – or at least kicking – to stay alive in the finals hunt but could only lash out in frustration as Queensland booked a second straight preliminary final with a 2-1 win.
The Roar – who won the opening leg 2-0 at Gosford last Friday night – now play the loser of the Melbourne-Adelaide major semi-final.
The Roar scored either side of halftime thanks to young gun Mitch Nichols and foundation player Matt McKay before Nik Mrdja tried to breath life into the contest for Central Coast with a stunning 64th minute long range strike.
The Mariners had promised a more physical approach in the second leg, saying they would hunt in packs to “kick” the life out of the Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
However, the only impact the Mariners’ aggression made was on the referee’s report with the likes of Paul O’Grady earning yellow cards for awkward challenges.
Livewire Michael Zullo appeared to be on the receiving end of the majority of some ugly tackles.
At halftime, the Roar’s Scottish import Charlie Miller had clearly seen enough and appeared to exchange angry words with Mariners players as they walked off the field.
But it was Queensland who had the last laugh.
The Roar looked to have put the Mariners out of their misery when Matt McKay finished off a brilliant move he initiated in the 49th minute.
In a wonderful passage of play, his intercept was fed to Sergio van Dijk then Nichols before the ball eventually found McKay who duly hit the back of the net.
But the 23,705-strong largely fell silent when Mrdja’s effort proved too hot for Roar keeper Liam Reddy to give the Mariners at least a sniff of a boilover.
Nichols’ sublime deflection off a pinpoint Massimo Murdocca pass in the 21st minute locked up a 1-0 halftime lead for the Roar.
It continued a remarkable resurgence for Nichols since he snapped up a vacancy left by an injured Charlie Miller (hernia) in December.
The youngster who couldn’t get a game at the start of the season has scored five goals for the season to date – and three in as many games.
His goal lifted a Roar outfit that was reeling from the loss of former Socceroo Danny Tiatto (suspension), exciting winger Tahj Minniecon (hip) and veteran defender Josh McCloughan (groin).
To boot, Roar captain Craig Moore only returned to Brisbane on Friday morning due to Socceroos duty in Japan.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna admitted Nichols’ opening goal knocked the wind out of their sails – but he questioned its legality.
“Even at 0-0 at halftime we would have been comfortable with that,” he said.
“But that deflected goal … it’s hard to come back from that – a few heads dropped.
“I’d like to see the replay to see if he was offside or not.
“However, Queensland capitalised on our mistakes, like the good team that they are. No complaints, they were the better team over two legs and deserve to go through.”
But McKinna did complain about Frank Farina’s short-term signing of Silva.
“It seems strange that you can strengthen your team for the finals series,” he said.
“Maybe I’m old fashioned. I think it was a big surprise to a lot of people.
“But that’s the rules. And it didn’t cost us.
“But I think the players who went through the season should be the ones in the finals series.”
Farina defended his late signing.
“We have played by the rules,” he said. That is governed by the FFA. And the FFA said it is all OK.”
The Roar mentor also emphasised the importance of scoring first on Friday night.
“I think it was more important for them to score the first goal. Once we got that one it certainly took the wind out of their sails.
“We deserved it. It didn’t settle us because I thought we came into it very well settled – there was no sign of nerves from anyone.”
Farina said Minniecon was “no guarantee” of playing in the preliminary final.
Koala Bear
Guest
Rob, no problems with Lucas as a captain .. But just imagine all of the good PR that would come of it for the HAL, if Craig Moore was given the captaincy going to SA 2010 .. It would certainly give HAL a great deal of exposure where it counts .. On the World Stage .. But it's only a dream of mine and yes it will not happen .. I don't think Pimbo nor the FFA would be game enough to try it on... What a pity for the HAL ... Charlie looks short of a run ... still his passing was brilliant at times .. ~~~~~~~ KB
Col
Guest
bad luck to the Mariners, but there's always next year..one thing you can say you are the most consistent of Clubs,you just need to get the final stage under your belt...
Rob
Guest
Dave, That would be sweet. MV and QR in front of 55.000 at the Telstra Dome would be a fitting spectacle. Charlie Miller looked old and slow when he came on, and we were all going, "WTF, is this Charlie?" It was wierd. But yeah, Mitch is a wonderful player who (insert witchdoctor charm against jinxing the lad) looks set for a great future in the game. KB, It would be nice to see, but I think Lucas Neill has Pim's and the team's support, so I don't see it happening. Neill seems to be at the peak of his powers at the moment too, so why not keep him?
Koala Bear
Guest
I think Craig Moore should be given the captaincy of the Australian National Football Team (Roos) How good would that be .. having the Australian Captain playing in Australia's HAL... To be given the captaincy on merit not just because he is playing in Australia .. He 's getting better by the year ... ~~~~~~~~~ KB
Dave
Guest
Rob Will be going to TD tonight so hopefully we will finish off AU and you guys do the same next week...then maybe 2 weeks time at TD in front of 55,000!! Since MN has been in the QR team you have looked a completely different proposition...must be doing ok to get CM on the sidelines!
Rob
Guest
I was at the game, and the atmosphere was just sensational. The Roar dominated possession and chances. The Central Coast were lucky Vukovic was in good nick or they would have lost by a hatful. They were lucky to only be 1-0 down at half time! By the time CCM started to attack, they were already 2-0 down and the tie was well and truly over. Face saving at best. I would like to add that I've heard all sorts of good things about Matt Simon for CCM, and over the two games in this semi, he has been absolute crap. I don't think I've seen him play well, actually. Add to that poor sportsmanship. He basically ran over Matt McKay in the second half, McKay stayed down injured, and with the whole Qld Roar team asking him to put the ball out of play, what did he do? Play on, of course. It happened right in front of me, and reduced my already poor opinion of him. But on to more positive things, Mitch Nicols had an absolutely brilliant game. I was sitting with some Brazilian friends and a family of Colombians were beside us, and all they could talk about was how good Nicols was at controling the tempo of the game, his excellent first touch and vision. His passing was perfect too. And Dave, yeah, Craig Moore is the man. What a footballer! Zullo too provided a huge number of highlights. He was excellent, although Andy Packer didn't have his best game last night. Would anyone (aside from Adeliade fans, of course) bet against the Roar making the final?
Dave
Guest
Watched the game on Foxsports. What a terrific, enjoyable game with lots of attacking play and excellent use of the wings. Throw in a large noisy crowd and it was a wonderful advert for the HAL last night. Hopefully MV vs QR final in Melbourne. BTW Craig Moore...is there a more inspirational footballer in this country? l doubt it...well done to him for overcoming his major health issues and playing such important roles for QR and the Socceroos (both versions). A GF for him would be a fitting reward for his efforts.