There was was something horribly Orwellian about this match - and it wasn't just the crowd figure!
Canberra had played Carlton 3 times before, during this season, and had lost each time.
Such was our station in life... and so it was again.
Big Brother John, who has been everywhere, with everyone, was everywhere a striker should be when a low curling cross from the right found him edging in front off a helpless defender in the 27th minute.
The home side put up a valiant show but rarely threatened, as if to do so would be to invoke some dire punishment worse than our current low league position.
Finally, to rebuke Canberra supporters for daring to follow their hearts rather than join the many thousands who used their heads and stayed at home - by George, Moriera provided the final sentencing stamp to the Cosmos effort with a clinical piece of finishing.
Carlton had done what they were inevitably going to do and were as happy as pigs in mud. A top six spot was closer.
The Cosmos could do worse than pay homage to Catalonia for a player or two...