Classy Roar thrash Mariners to go 14 games unbeaten

Top of the table Brisbane Roar have sent out a warning to all would-be title contenders by thrashing the fourth placed Central Coast Mariners 5-1 in a one-sided clash at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Another dominant performance from the league’s pacesetters has seen the Roar go nine games without defeat in Gosford, and 14 games unbeaten this season, setting a new Hyundai A-League record.

The classy passing game of the Roar that has become the talking point of the season was evident again, and Costa Rican import Solorzano put the A-League leaders in front in just the eighth minute after some slick build-up play. A great ball in behind the defence found Ivan Franjic and the right back squared to Nichols who drove a first time shot. Young Mariners ‘keeper Matt Ryan parried the first effort, but Solorzano was on hand to finish easily.

Brisbane’s dominance was again rewarded just two minutes later, with Solorzano netting his second of the game with a fierce drive from 20 yards. The Roar’s imports combined well, with German Thomas Broich laying the ball off to the Costa Rican who drove powerfully past Ryan.

A shell-shocked Mariners began to ease their way into the contest, and had their first chance after a good run from Matt Simon resulted in Oliver Bozanic scuffing a shot just wide.

Chances then fell to both Simon and Mckay, but Brisbane scored their third in the 24th minute after yet another intricate passing move that involved Mckay, Solorzano and Nichols resulted in the lively Franjic crossing invitingly for Nichols who smashed home.

The Mariners did however improve after the break, and managed to open their account soon after the restart in controversial style. A well timed run and finish from substitute Adam Kwasnik was clouded by Brisbane’s protests that Oliver Bozanic interfered whilst in an offside position. The goal stood nevertheless, and Brisbane youngster Luke De Vere picked up a booking for his protests.

This spurred Brisbane back into gear and had good chances denied only by some impressive goalkeeping from Matt Ryan.

Brazilian substitute Reinaldo did eventually net the Roar’s fourth in the 87th minute, cleaning up to finish after Ryan spilled Broich’s shot after a penetrating run from the German.

The Mariners’ miserable afternoon was compounded just a minute later when a desperately unlucky Alex Wilkinson dispatched a cross past his own ‘keeper into the net after pressure from Reinaldo. To add to Graham Arnold’s woes, he had striker Daniel McBreen sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence.

This clinical performance inspired by Brisbane’s imported contingent is sure to send chills down the spines of their next opponents, Melbourne Victory. The win cements first spot for the Roar, as well as an impressive Hyundai A-League record of 14 games unbeaten.