Top-of-the-table just two weeks ago, the Central Coast Mariners have been bundled out of the Westfield W-League premiership race by a 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar in Sunday’s semi-final at Bluetongue Stadium.
It was the Mariners’ second loss in as many weeks and saw Brisbane retain its position as the Central Coast’s bogy side.
Brisbane has won all four matches between the two sides in the past two seasons, with clean sheets on each occasion.
Brisbane coach Jeff Hopkins said the result would give his side confidence ahead of next Saturday’s grand final against Sydney FC.
“The last game against Newcastle was excellent but before that we weren’t firing on all cylinders,” Hopkins said.
“But we got it right against Newcastle and this win will be a good confidence boost.”
A smart free kick from Brisbane Roar defender Karla Reuter broke the deadlock just over an hour into the match.
Reuter broke the hearts of the home supporters with the well-taken kick, which beat Mariners goalkeeper Jillian Loyden and dipped under the crossbar in the 61st minute.
The goal was particularly disappointing for Loyden, who had pulled off some superb saves throughout the match before being beaten by Reuter.
But the momentum didn’t stay with Brisbane for long, with the visitors reduced to 10 players when striker Sasha McDonnell received her marching orders in the 69th minute for a second yellow card.
The Mariners threw everything at Brisbane in the late stages of the match but were unable to force the match into extra time.
A spirited second half followed a tactical opening stanza, with end-to-end action as both sides chased a grand final berth.
After being overcome by the occasion last weekend, the Central Coast Mariners started with more presence against Brisbane, repelling two early corners.
The home side had the first scoring chance of the match in the sixth minute, through Jenna Kingsley and Ashleigh Connor.
Kingsley had a one-on-one chance with Brisbane goalkeeper Casey Dumont, with the ball falling for Connor, whose attempt was wrapped up by Dumont.
It wasn’t to be Kingsley’s day, with the spirited striker taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg after an injury late in the first half.
