Tense Mariners cling to plate hopes after white-knuckle win - Sydney Morning Herald

Sebastian Hassett

In action: Mitchell Duke of the Mariners. Photo: Getty Images

They wouldn't want to cut it any finer, but Central Coast did what they had to do against Brisbane Roar at Bluetongue Stadium.

This wasn't just about three points, either. It was also about keeping their wafer-slim hopes of claiming the Premier's Plate alive.

But after going four straight matches in all competitions without a result - losing their past two in the league - any win would do.

So tense were the hosts that when the assistant referee held up his board to signal four added minutes, the crowd, and Graham Arnold were incensed. They wanted to bank the points and be done with it. The synopsis was simple: Central Coast dominated the first half, Brisbane the next 45 minutes. However, Bernie Ibini's 35th-minute effort would instead prove enough.

Arnold rested several key players for the midweek trip to Japan in an effort to be fit for this game, meaning five changes here. It could well be argued that ultimately paid off.

"Especially after the Wednesday night game and returning on Friday lunchtime, I thought the effort, the performance, in our defensive structure, and the fight was exceptional," Arnold said. "I thought overall it could have been three or four [ahead] in the first half but Brisbane are a quality side."

The defending champions fired an early warning shot when Steven Lustica curled one over the bar before drilling an effort from range that went directly at Mat Ryan. It was, however, at the other end where the action would further unfold in the first half.

Soon after, the Mariners should have taken the lead following three opportunities in the space of 30 seconds. Michael McGlinchey, Daniel McBreen and Ibini all thought they had bagged the opener but the first two were saved before Ibini scooped the ball over.

However, Ibini would redeem himself soon after. After collecting the ball on the edge of the box, he worked inside Shane Steffanutto and then baffled Luke Brattan. His finish, inside the near post, was a superb effort.

The home side piled on the chances - including McBreen hitting the post - and the Roar were officially hanging on for dear life.

There was plenty of action on the sidelines as well, with Arnold and Mike Mulvey exchanging words and with the fourth official, too.

Mulvey continued his tirade into half-time, letting his team know how disappointed he was at their failure to pressure the Mariners.

Brisbane could have slipped right into the mire after what seemed a handball by James Donachie early in the second half but referee Alan Milliner waved any protests away, keeping the visitors in the game.