Tom’s weekly outlook on the A-League
Week two of the finals series was full of goals, despite there being just the two games. The total goals scored was nine, following a 2-2 draw on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium and a 3-2 win to the Gold Coast at Hindmarsh on Sunday evening. The weekend started with the second leg of the major semi-final, after Brisbane Roar won the first 2-0 away at BlueTongue in Gosford. Brisbane were short-priced favourites going into the second leg, and not many could argue with that, as Brisbane have not been beaten since October last year and were at home to a strong 25,000 plus crowd. By half-time, the whole situation had been turned on its head. Central Coast had gone 2-0 up and were square with the Roar on aggregate. Goals to Oliver Bozanic and Danny McBreen had the momentum firmly with the visitors at half-time. But, typical of Brisbane this season, they refused to lie down, and Tomas Broich struck on the hour mark, squeezing it past Matt Ryan at the near post. At the end of a dramatic last half-hour Henrique scored for Brisbane, to secure their first ever home grand final and continue their unbeaten run.
Central Coast will now meet the Gold Coast, who upset Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday evening. In what was a dramatic game, Shane Smeltz opened the scoring in spectacular fashion 37 minutes in, when he drove the ball into the top right corner from 30 yards. After half-time, the heat began to take a toll on the players, and Serge Van Dijk was awarded a penalty after some shirt pulling in the penalty area. He nailed the spot kick, leaving nothing between the two teams heading into the last half-hour. 20 minutes from time Mathew Leckie pounced on a Glen Moss parry to put Adelaide up. Former Reds frontman Bruce Djite nodded the ball in from close range soon after to again level it up, following some poor marking from Adelaide. Shane Smeltz was awarded a dubious penalty 15 minutes from time, after a dodgy challenge at the back. He scored what turned out to be the winning goal, ending the game with a double and man of the match award.
About Tom Riordan
Tom Riordan is in his second year of a Bachelor of Journalism at Swinburne University. He loves all sports, and plays for Brunswick Cricket Club. He supports the Western Bulldogs and can be found on weekends among half a dozen others in Q38 on the top level of the MCC.
Great weekend of finals action. The four best teams of the season were on display and gave plenty of value.
Not sure if Gold Coast can get over the Marriners in Gosford, but an all-Queensland final would have a nice touch to it after recent events.
If Central Coast make the play-off, it should be a cracking finale. Hope they fill Suncorp Stadium for it.
With Smeltz in form no defence can feel too secure. I enjoyed the weekend’s games and hope the season continues in such a manner.
There’s a bit of controversy about the pricing for the GF. 55 is about as cheap as you’ll get and it goes a bit higher than that for the good seats. They might miss an opportunity to fill it.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/a-league-grand-final-ticket-prices-skyrocket/story-e6frep5o-1226013183268
What about $20 to get in + $5 extra per goal….half refund if nil-nil? (Though, Ian, of course there can be good scoreless draws!).
That would be a great pity.
What about $20 to get in + $5 extra per goal….half refund if nil-nil? (Though, Ian, of course there can be good scoreless draws!).
Bad 24hrs for A-League.
Nth Queensland – club folds
Melb Victory – team collapses in Osaka