Roar make light work of Mariners

The Brisbane Roar have professionally disposed of the Central Coast Mariners 2 - 0 at Bluetongue Stadium in front of an average finals crowd of 10,166.

Second half strikes from both Kostas Barbarouses and Matt McKay sealed the deal on what is becoming a near perfect season for the Roar, who aim to turn their premiership plate into a championship.

The second leg now looks like an insurmountable task for the Central Coast, who head to Suncorp Stadium needing to win by more than two goals to progress directly into the grand final.

Both sides held possession early on with the Mariners throwing everything at the formidable Roar defence.

However, the Roar opened proceedings in the 52nd minute.

Kostas Babarouses received a well weighted through ball from Socceroo, Matt McKay, before navigating his way around the Mariners defence to drive the ball past Central Coast keeper, Matt Ryan.

Luck was against the Central Coast when they let a golden chance slip in the 61st minute.

A sweeping shot from Daniel McBreen sliced across the face of goal before hitting the post.

The ball then rebounded for Matt Simon who blasted the ball into the cross bar.

A golden chance gone begging for the Mariners, and for club stalwart, Simon.

However, the Roar were intent on shutting the gate on the last New South Wales side remaining in the competition.

Brisbane put themselves in pole position after a perfectly weighted cross from Barbarouses was glanced home by the head of Matt McKay.

McKay showed his class with a deft one-two with Barbarouses who is becoming an increasingly reliable scorer for the Roar.

The Mariners threw everything at the Roar in what was a competitive first half, before being outclassed by the most formidable side in Australian football.

The Roar, who appeared lackadaisical in periods throughout the match, were able to lift a gear and pull away from the Mariners like they've done so regularly throughout the season.

Can anyone stop the Brisbane Roar?