Melbourne Victory's Mark Milligan is dejected at full-time after loss. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
MELBOURNE Victory has been denied a fourth grand final appearance after Central Coast Mariners prevailed in a tense A-League semi final.
Golden boot winner Daniel McBreen's 20m screamer just before half-time was the difference as the Mariners deservedly prevailed 1-0 in front of 10,651 at Bluetongue Stadium.
It sets up a mouth-watering grand final contest against first-year club Western Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The win was soured by industrious midfielder Nick Montgomery's red card just moments before the final whistle.
On a personal note it was an important win for Graham Arnold over Ange Postecoglou, after the latter had an impeccable finals record against him while with Brisbane Roar.
Postecoglou - one loss in 16 NSL and A-League finals prior to last night - and Victory both have imposing finals records but last night it counted for nothing against the well-drilled and disciplined home side.
And Arnold's decision to rest seven players from the midweek Champions League clash was justified, with all starting and playing key roles last night.
The 600-plus Victory travelling fans walked away disappointed although they have plenty to look forward to next season after Postecoglou used an A-League record 33 players.
Victory was confident heading into the clash but at no stage did it get its A game going.
Marcos Flores returned to Victory's first XI for Connor Pain in Postecoglou's only change, with Archie Thompson returning to his more familiar left wing role.
A-League Central Coast Mariners V Melbourne Victory at Blue Tongue Stadium .Archie Thompson slides into the net after just missing an attempt Picture: Porteous Gregg Source: The Daily Telegraph
Mark Milligan was given a more attacking role with Leigh Broxham playing as the midfield anchor and he was the one threading the most dangerous balls through.
But the Mariners' ability to quickly retreat and scramble into position left Thompson and Marco Rojas few gaps to penetrate while they were also dropping far deeper than usual in the first half.
While the Mariners' attacking full-backs Josh Rose and Pedj Bojic still bombed on, defensive midfielders John Hutchinson and Montgomery always mopped up if anyone was caught out of position.
The Mariners were more dangerous in the attacking third although most of their chances were consigned to distance.
Just as it appeared Victory would head into the break level, veteran striker McBreen unleashed a ferocious 20m shot that beat Nathan Coe.
But much praise must go to Bernie Ibini, who fed McBreen after evading three Victory challenges.
Victory had more chances in the second half as the sting went out of the game, but with so few chances falling their way they lacked composure in the front third.
Postecoglou sent on Andrew Nabbout, Pain and Spase Dilevski late in the match to try and find an equaliser but unlike last week it wasn't coming.
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