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A-League Review: Gold Coast drama as Mariners return to winning ways
It was a Week 20 in the A-League where off-field issues from the competition's problem child reared their head, while the leaders firmed for the premiership
20/02/2012 11:15:00 AM
Getty Images
ANALYSIS
By Ben Somerford
Results
Tomas Rogic
Central Coast Mariners
The teenager continues to bolster his profile, and his hopes of securing a big deal next season, with some sublime performances in attack for the Mariners. Rogic opened the scoring with a classy finish in the 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix - his second goal in as many games - while he was a threat throughout. The Mariners have unearthed another gem.
"That's the reality of it. They can say what they like... the A-League's a joke. I don't think I'll ever talk to [Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley] again in my life, to be honest."
-Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer to the Sunday Mail
"Clive can take my job, but he took away my dignity. No one can take away my dignity."
-Outgoing Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg after quitting his job
"Maybe I'm just a grumpy old bastard, never satisfied... I just want us to play, not better, but play our game. There were times tonight when we just didn't look in control of the game."
-Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou
3 – Number of consecutive wins for reigning champions Brisbane
5 – Central Coast's buffer at the top of the table
7 – Number of goals Harry Kewell has scored this season
19 – Age of Mariners young gun Tomas Rogic
18,523 – Crowd for Brisbane Roar's home clash with Melbourne Victory
More Victory pains | Kewell's double couldn't rescue his side
By Ben Somerford
Results
Melbourne Heart 1-0 Gold Coast United, Central Coast 2-0 Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar 3-2 Melbourne Victory, Perth Glory 2-0 Newcastle Jets, Adelaide United 1-2 Sydney FC
Leaders Central Coast snapped their two-game losing run with a steadying 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix, while Brisbane Roar firmed for the top two with a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over a Harry Kewell-inspired Melbourne Victory. However, the talking point came from the Gold Coast, with United owner Clive Palmer labelling the A-League a "joke" before coach Miron Bleiberg walked from his post.
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| THE WEEKEND STORY |
Leaders Central Coast snapped their two-game losing run with a steadying 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix, while Brisbane Roar firmed for the top two with a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over a Harry Kewell-inspired Melbourne Victory. However, the talking point came from the Gold Coast, with United owner Clive Palmer labelling the A-League a "joke" before coach Miron Bleiberg walked from his post.
| THE STANDINGS | Top Four |
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | ||
| 1 | Central Coast |
21 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 33 | 17 | +16 | 43 |
| 2 | Brisbane Roar |
22 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 41 | 24 | +17 | 38 |
 |
Perth Glory |
22 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 33 | 27 | +6 | 34 |
 |
Wellington |
22 | 10 | 3 | 9 | 29 | 26 | +3 | 33 |
| PLAYER OF THE WEEKEND |
Tomas Rogic
Central Coast Mariners
The teenager continues to bolster his profile, and his hopes of securing a big deal next season, with some sublime performances in attack for the Mariners. Rogic opened the scoring with a classy finish in the 2-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix - his second goal in as many games - while he was a threat throughout. The Mariners have unearthed another gem.
| QUOTES OF THE WEEKEND |
"That's the reality of it. They can say what they like... the A-League's a joke. I don't think I'll ever talk to [Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley] again in my life, to be honest."
-Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer to the Sunday Mail
"Clive can take my job, but he took away my dignity. No one can take away my dignity."
-Outgoing Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg after quitting his job
"Maybe I'm just a grumpy old bastard, never satisfied... I just want us to play, not better, but play our game. There were times tonight when we just didn't look in control of the game."
-Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou
| THE NUMBERS |
3 – Number of consecutive wins for reigning champions Brisbane
5 – Central Coast's buffer at the top of the table
7 – Number of goals Harry Kewell has scored this season
19 – Age of Mariners young gun Tomas Rogic
18,523 – Crowd for Brisbane Roar's home clash with Melbourne Victory
| PHOTO OF THE WEEKEND |
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