The Mariners have defeated the Jets 2-1 in a entertaining derby match at Energy Australia Stadium - the late finishing Mariners had too much for the Jets in the second half.
Who would have believed the two teams fought out the Grand Final in February earlier this year when looking at the competition table -, the Mariners briefly went to top spot and the Jets dead last (their hopes of a top four spot over). Both these teams will however complete in the lucrative Asian Football Confederation Champions League from March.
The Jets start on fire Matt Thomson finds Joel Griffiths on the edge of the penalty area and Joel unleashes a curling shot which is centimetres wide of the upright.
On eight minutes a D'Apuzzo throw-in finds Jesic in the penalty area, he is dragged down by Gumprecht, referee Peter O'Leary points to the spot, it's a penalty which sends the home fans into applause. Joel Griffiths sets up and then sends the ball high into the top right corner of the net, its 1-0 Jets.
On just 17 minutes young Marko Jesic limps off with what looks like a serious knee injury, he is replaced by Wheelhouse.
On 26 minutes Thomson blocks Boljic clearance and races away on goal, his fierce shot is blocked by the advancing Vukovic, the ball rebounds to Griffiths but his follow up shot is also blocked by Vukovic.
The Mariners finally look threatening, a great cross by MaCallister on the half hour finds Petrovski who heads over from point blank range.
The first half ends with a great Song through ball that has Wheelhouse in the clear but from a angle his shot is straight at Vukovic as the half time whistle goes. Its been a exciting first half
The second half commences with a Joel Griffiths pass for Song but Heffernan intercepts.
On 54 minutes Hutchinson finds Petrovski on the edge of the penalty area, but Sasho blazes wide of the upright.
The Jets try to go two up on 58 minutes Wheelhouse finds Joel Griffiths, he lets go with a thunder bolt but its straight at Vukovic. Moments later Song and Joel Griffiths combine, Song crosses for Joel, his header forces a diving save from Vukovic.
On 66 minutes Heffernan reaches the by line, whips in a cross for Petrovski who gets in front of his defender and heads past Covic at the near post, its 1-1 and the travelling fans celebrate.
It becomes real end to end stuff as both teams search for a winner, the Mariners aiming to go top and the Jets aiming to keep their season alive, but the game is settled in a 60 second spell with just 11 minutes to go, Joel Griffiths back heels for Song who has time at the edge of the penalty area to place a shot, he fires away, sadly for the home fans the ball goes just over the cross bar.
The Mariners respond instantly - a quickly taken Petrovski free kick finds Simon, and he is able to fend off two Jets defenders to then fire past the advancing Covic. It's 2-1 Mariners.
The final minutes has the Jets going forward in numbers but they are unable to break through as often the final pass is astray and the Mariners cleverly bring the ball forward and are able to waste valuable time.
The final whistle sees some pushing and shoving and Macallister is given a red card by Referee Peter O'Leary. It ends 2-1 mariners.