Brisbane Roar will host the A League grand final for a second consecutive year after beating Central Coast Mariners 5-2 on aggregate in the second leg of their major semi-final Sunday. The Roar went into the match as firm favourites after winning the first leg 2-0 in Brisbane last Saturday.
They then made it almost impossible for the Central Coast to overhaul them by netting two goals in the first 26 minutes.
German import Thomas Broich curled a free kick past Mariners 'keeper Matt Ryan after just two minutes and midfielder Mitch Nichols doubled the advantage when he pounced on a delightful through ball from Brazilian livewire Henrique.
However, the Mariners fought back with goals from Patrick Zwaanswijk and Adam Kwasnik, and had the defending champions on the ropes for the rest of the first half.
But Brisbane regrouped at half-time and slowly gained control in the second half, putting the contest beyond doubt after Henrique scored to ensure the Roar will host the final at Suncorp Stadium on April 22. Central Coast will play Perth next Saturday, with the winner to play Brisbane in the decider.
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