I'm aware the Final Series is in full swing, but meh. Here's Round 27 from the league.
Adelaide United 1-1 Melbourne Heart
Both sides were taking it nice and easy in this match, as Eli Babalj's goal cancelled out what could be Sergio Van Dijk's last Adelaide strike. Both teams looked like they were taking a breather, and why wouldn't they? Adelaide had nothing to play for, and Melbourne were already in the Finals. It was more of a chance to chalk up some goals. But no. 1-1. Hardly changed the table. Really not much to talk about to be honest. Colosimo bundled down Daniel Mullen to give Van Dijk a penalty which he coolly slotted in. Other than that, not much to report, sorry folks.
Perth Glory 4-2 Melbourne Victory
If the Adelaide match was dull, this was the complete opposite. Shane Smeltz scored an incredible 4 goals, in the 22nd, 47th, 62nd and 65th minutes to twice bring back Perth from behind against a stubborn and determined Victory side. Carlos Hernandez gave the visitors and unexpected lead 21 minutes into the match before Smeltz was like "NO" and headed home a minute later. Mark Milligan was like "YES" as he knocked in Victory's second just before half time. Smeltz was like "OHHH HELL NO" as he equalised 2 minutes later. Noticing a trend? However, that trend ends there, as Smeltz went on to score a further two goals to show the class that has eluded him due to his injury problems this year. Perth are in the finals, Victory got some 'splainin' to do.
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Central Coast Mariners
Central Coast won the A-League basically. They bossed the match, and when Leo Bertos' goal came in, few would have dreamt that they could get another and give Brisbane a chance. And it'd didn't happen. John Sutton and Bernie Ibini-Isei scored either side of half time to seal the Mariners 2nd A-League title.
Sydney FC 3-2 Newcastle Jets
Newcastle have been brutally robbed of a Finals place by Sydney. I really can't stress how gutted I am for the Jets. They've tried so hard this season, but it was to be Sydney's chance for glory. In a must win game for the Blues, the talismanic Bruno Cazarine scored after 10 minutes. Bridges levelled for the away side 15 minutes later to give them hope. Two quickfire goals from Joel Chianese put the home side back in the drivers seat, and the Jets spent the rest of the match slugging it out to try and produce something magnificent. Wheelhouse made the score 3-2 with about quarter of an hour left of the match to set up a tense finale, with Newcastle throwing everything at Sydney, but they held out and are into the finals. Unlucky, Jets.
Gold Coast United 1-2 Brisbane Roar
What an emotional day. It could be the final game Gold Coast ever play unless their license is sold on to a new owner - and there are investors talking about it - but with their future in doubt, it was time to celebrate what they've brought to the game. And what better way to do that than by having one of your products score against your arch rivals? Daniel Bowles scored just before half an hour to give United a sense of pride in their team. With the title already decided, Brisbane had little to play for, but this was a derby match, and they wanted to end the regular season on a high. They came to win. And of course they did. Second half goals from Fitzgerald and Lambadaridis sealed the Gold Coast's fate and consigned them to the wooden spoon in what may turn out to be their final season. Poor Brisbane. They could have won the title had it not been for that wretched streak of form in December. But hey, they play the Mariners in the Major Final next week and will look to avenge themselves.
Hold on for the finals.
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