A-Leaque Soccer News Australia

The first ever A-League finals match sees the Newcastle United Jets host local rivals Central Coast Mariners at EnergyAustralia Stadium. This derby, between the teams which finished the season-proper in fourth and third positions respectively, is expected to see two teams aiming for a positive result to take into next week's second leg at Gosford. The loser of this two-leg series will be eliminated from the competition.

The second leg will take place next Friday night at the Express Advocate Stadium.

The first half of this match is Newcastle's as they press on but fail to net the ball after numerous opportunities. The first half is goaless. The second half begins it is clear that the Mariners are hungry for a win.

On the 74th minute Osman heads in after Reddy could only parry Spencer's initial header in the winger's direction. It's 1-0 Central Coast and they walk away a goal lead into the home leg of their A-League semi-final thanks Matthew Osman.

Round Minor Semi Final 1st Leg: 10 February 2006

Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle United Jets

Central Coast Stadium - 20:00

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Round Major Semi Final 1st Leg: 12 February 2006

Adelaide United vs Sydney FC

Hindmarsh Stadium - 17:00

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Round Minor Semi Final 2nd Leg: 17 February 2006

Central Coast Mariners vs Newcastle United Jets Central Coast

Stadium - 20:00

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Round Major Semi Final 2nd Leg: 19 February 2006

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

Aussie Stadium - 17:00

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Round Preliminary Final: 26 February 2006

Loser Major Semi Final vs Winner Minor Semi Final

Loser Major Semi-Final Home - 17:00

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Round Grand Final: 5 March 2006

Winner Major Semi Final v Winner Preliminary Final

Winner Major Semi Final Home - 17:00

Perth Glory finished its A-League season on a positive note with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle Jets at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Jets slumped to their second straight defeat ahead of Friday's first leg minor semi-final against Central Coast Mariners in Newcastle. It was Perth's second victory over the Jets on their turf.

Newcastle ends the season in fourth place, while Perth finishes in fifth, two points outside the top four.

Queensland Roar and the Central Coast Mariners have finished the regular A-League season with a 2-2 draw at Suncorp Stadium.

The Roar is out of the finals and played for pride only while the Mariners look to continue their good form going into the finals.

It's a great effort from both sides and with plenty of incidents. The Mariners now wait for Sunday's result between Newcastle and Perth to see whether they hold on to third place or finish fourth.

The top two teams meet in their final match of the season before the finals. Adelaide have already secured the top spot as have Sydney secure the second spot in the A-League ladder.

Sydney are the only side to have defeated the travelling South Australians and are in form beating Perth last week. Coach Pierre Littbarski will be tempted to stick with the same set-up against Adelaide with Sasho Petrovski alone upfront supported by Steve Corica and Dwight Yorke just behind.

For Adelaide, coach John Kosmina has Qu Shengqing back after missing the New Zealand trip last week, along with Carl Veart and Travis Dodd who are back from suspension.

It only takes 3 minutes for Adelaide's Qu to take a shot at the Sydney goal slightly missing the top bar. Sydney also had it's chances with Petrovski's unable to make proper contact with the ball three times. Its scoreless at half time.

Onto the second half and on the 47th minute Adelaide's Aloisi is called for a handball on the edge of the box and a penalty is given to Sydney. Dwight Yorke takes the penalty and Beltrame can't do anything as Sydney take the lead. Adelaide however hit back in just 3 minutes! A defensive lapse by Sydney turns the ball over in midfield, Dodd then releases Qu in the box and he gets it past Bolton.

The score is 1-1 as both teams pressure on. On the 71st minute Sydney's Ceccoli cracks a free kick straight into the top left corner. This is his first goal of the year and gives Sydney the lead again!

Adelaide battles on and Cornthwaite had an opportunity to snatch a draw for Adelaide in the dying minutes, but his header in a crowded box was brilliantly saved by Sydney's keeper Bolton.

A massive Sydney crowd is pleased and it is clear that either of these teams will most probably win the A-League Championship. The final score 2-1 for Sydney FC and a massive confidence boost beating the top team in the A-League.