Brisbane Roar moved into the Westfield W-League final in Sydney next week with a battling 1-0 win over a gritty Central Coast Mariners, in a 'no holds barred', 'no prisoners taken' game in front of a small but noisy crowd, beside the ironically named Brisbane Water.

After losing to Sydney FC at home last week and thus missing out on the Premiership, the young Mariners side who thus finished second had a lot to play for. With Captain Cailtin Cooper back, and Kelly Golebowski available off the bench, they fancied their chances despite the return to stunning form of last season's Premiers Brisbane Roar last week.

The firepower of the Matilda-packed ranks of the Orange & Maroon was still to prove daunting and they gave them a little too much respect early in the game.

The Brisbane side started aggressively, forcing three corners within the five minutes.

The Mariners were more switched on than in the previous week, and challenged for every ball.

Jenna Kingsley got forward for a one-on-one situation with Brisbane's 'keeper Casey Dumont in the 6th minute. The custodian bravely blocked her shot and the rebound was sent wide by Asleigh Connor backing up for the home side.

In the 12th minute Tameka Butt sent a shot way over, but with Cooper back the Mariners defence was looking solid.

In the 22nd minute Lauren Colthorpe headed wide off yet another corner, whilst a few minutes later Jenna Kingsley forced the Roar 'keeper to clear wildly, and then Renee Rollason sent a speculator over the bar.

Sasha McDonnell was causing the Mariners defence some concern with her pace on the break, and she received some support from her midfield. Avy Luik jockied her defender and then let fly from 25m forcing Loyden to dive to her left to make a save.

In the 39th minute Kendall Fletcher sent a free kick from nearly 40m and just cleared the crossbar.

After the break both sides struggled to get past the respective defences but in the 53rd minute League top-scorer Michelle Heyden got away on the left, but with 5 defenders around her she couldn't reach Kelly Golebiowski who had made a run in support, rather she tried to curl a shot with the outside of her left boot but it went wide.

Loyden was called into action a few minutes later when she raised out to kick to clear but Sasha McDonnell continued her run, with the ball cannoning off her and Loyden had to make a one handed take.

Karla Reuter took a free kick in the 62nd minute - with Loyden expecting a ball into the box and moving left. Reuter curled a shot over Loyden and under the cross-bar. 0-1

The Mariners lifted trying to get one back but rushed their final passes. Play became quite physical as neither team thought about taking a step back.

Brisbane went down to 10 players on the field after Sasha McDonnell copped a second yellow card, for failing to get back 10 metres for a free kick, and was thus sent off with 22 minutes remaining.

In the 83rd minute the Coast get behind the Roar and a fine cross it cut out by Casey Dumont having to palm it away, and Colthorpe has to intervene to head toe ball as it fell for the Mariners in the area.

Golebiowski made inroads but could not pick out her a team-mate, but it is all too late.

The Mariners failed to capitalise on their solid results doing to the year but should be proud of their improvement and will look forward now to Season 3 (which BOTN hopes will be longer). The Roar now will play 2009 Premiers Sydney FC at Endeavour Field, Woolaware (aka ' Shark Park') next Saturday (3pm), looking for their 2nd W-League Championship.