The 2017-18 A-League season’s first nil-all draw was rightfully played out by teams who were bottom going into the match, the Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Brisbane Roar 0
Central Coast Mariners 0
Brisbane Roar play host to fellow cellar dwellers the Central Coast Mariners, as both teams come off last round draws, and try to break their duck with a first wins for season 2017/18. Join us live on The Roar at 5pm (AEDT).
Normally, the battle of the bottom two teams would not get spectator hearts started, but this early in the season, ladder positions can be deceiving, and so far, both these sides are marginally better than their table positions might suggest.
So what do Brisbane make of their round 4 performance? Do they come into this game with confidence, knowing that they fought back after going down 3-nil within 30 minutes? Or are they concerned, given they were 3-nil down after 30 minutes? Against Wellington, who were woeful against the Jets last night?
I think the former.
Brisbane are a work in progress, and carrying injuries. Yes, they are bottom of the table on goal difference, but they were unlucky not to get something against Newcastle, and to drop their bundle against Adelaide.
Central Coast meanwhile seem to be a much bigger work in progress than their northern opponents. A draw against a Melbourne team would normally give you confidence, but Melbourne at the moment are a team playing without confidence, and Besart Berisha. And taking the lead at home, but not being able to finish the job at home, is of concern.
Just ask Brisbane.
The story for Brisbane all year has been the same: play out the whole game. If they are able to do that, then they should be the more likely to be the ones to register a win. John Aloisi will again be outlining to his team the importance of focus and discipline. For Paul Okon, it appears that his is a team still coming to terms with that opening round loss to Newcastle. They appear to be playing for confidence, and a first road trip win outside of NSW since November last year may just be the tonic.
Prediction
Brisbane have won an astonishing 8 in a row against Central Coast, and are undefeated in their last 9. I can see that win streak continuing.
If John Aloisi can just harness that last fifty minutes against Wellington, and get a 90-minute performance, Brisbane should be able to get the 3 points. Matt McKay will be eager to notch up his 100th A-League win.
For the Mariners, they will be hoping for some strong production from the likes of Hoole, Asdrubal, and Brama, to get their own season started.
Brisbane 2-0
Fadida
Guest
Jets were only too pleased to trade him in for Petratos :)
Fadida
Guest
Sums up his career sadly
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Got a suggestion for you Stuart. Video your games and put them on Facebook (guessing you know what that is :) ). Would love to see the quality. At least it'd be a hoot :) I had some lunchtime games videoed by the missus some 10 years ago. I did some 'not so professional' editing and got plenty of laughs. The things one does to amuse oneself!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
That's a BIG call Nem. I'd say most 'rational' football fans would not want to be anywhere near the relegation zone -EVER! because once you're on the slippery slide there is no guarantee you'll get back. Sponsors will desert you, lack of funds will hinder recruitment, etc. It could be a long time before you get back to the top flight. Good luck with that.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Looks like you and I copped the duds tonight Karlo. I had the PNG v Ireland game which degenerated into a farcical contest of who could drop the ball more than the other. I watched the A-League two hours later on delay and felt that CCM threw much more at the Roar in the second half and created half chances. Unfortunately neither team looked classy enough to put one away. In essence, it was a rubbish game and probably a fitting result. I took the draw and CCM at 3.30 ish. Couldn't believe the roar were paying 1.90. Utterly stupid odds considering the start they have had. Easy money for me, cant help but think some of the bookies are looking at the roar through very rose coloured glasses.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
agreed
perry cox
Roar Guru
It wasn't pleasant blogging Stuart, that's for sure. But that is curious your take on the Mariners. As I blogged, I was convinced that Brisbane were the better side. Very curious indeed.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Me and ten of my mates might have put up a decent show tonight Stevo. That was awful. 90 mins I will never get back, at least CCM threw a bit into attack, as for Brisbane.....time for a change.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Spot on, the only people to disagree will be roar fans who aren't seeing the truth.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Agreed.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
After blogging the RLWC tonight, I taped the A-League clash and just finished my viewing. In short.....awful. CCM the better side by a considerable margin despite their frailties in attack. An appalling advertisement for the A-League. Aloisi will be under considerable pressure after that. I called it after round one and some questioned the early crow. Looks like many of us may have been right about the Roar.
LuckyEddie
Guest
It must be in little Matty McKays contract that he cannot be replaced. He adds nothing to the team and can never turn a game yet there he is week in week out. For a mid-fielder he has an abysmal scoring record of less than one per season, cannot kick with right foot, cannot head a ball etc.etc. etc. I agree Hoole is very ordinary but McKay has equal talent and hr has been paid over $350k for years.
LuckyEddie
Guest
If we had relegation Melb City/Heart would be playing the local pub team in the amatuer commercial league div. 8.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Not sure Buddy. We're undertaking further investigations to confirm.
perry cox
Roar Guru
I also retract the penalty spot comment Kanga. Clearly the defender's foot, but still, in my opinion, not offside, and not worth the carry on.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Agreed mate, but I actually think Brisbane should have won that. Although, as the result suggests by the scoreline, there was never going to be any real winner today.
Nemesis
Guest
Your team finished 2nd bottom & bottom in consecutive years 2012/13 & 2013/14. In 2012/13: CCM finished 2nd & won the Championship. In 2013/14: BRI won the double. That's why we need Pro/Rel. Churn out the rubbish & bring in fresh teams. Also allows the rubbish ALeague teams to move down & reboot. I'd rather my team played well in the 2nd Division & gave me a season of enjoyment in Div2 than playing 2 seasons of rubbish.
Realfootball
Guest
Horrible stuff. Both coaches should hang their heads in shame. They put those teams on the park.
Realfootball
Guest
Hoole is not an A League player. He was lamentable tonight.
Realfootball
Guest
The kind of game that, quite literally, gives the A League a bad name. Dull, scoreless and low quality. The wrong kind of trifecta. Mariners should have won by 2. Brisbane are beyond bad.