A-League wrap: Roar end Mariners run, Melbourne derby stalemate

Central Coast Mariners had their 15-match unbeaten run ended after a 2-0 loss to the Brisbane Roar in the A-League on Saturday.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou wanted a response from his players after last week’s defeat against the Newcastle Jets and would have been proud of his players, who turned in one of their best performances in weeks.

The visitors took the three points courtesy of first-half goals from Erik Paartalu and Besart Berisha.

Paartalu gave his team the ideal start when he struck the opener in the fifth minute, side-footing a cut-back from impressive teenager Nick Fitzgerald.

Both teams had their chances in a free-flowing encounter, before Berisha netted his 12th goal of the campaign on 39 minutes.

The Albanian made space with a neat touch, and goalkeeper Justin Pasfield dived too late and was unable to deny the striker.

The Mariners are seven points clear atop the table despite their first loss since October 23, while the Roar sit third after just their third away win of the campaign.

The highly anticipated Melbourne derby failed to produce a goal, as 10-man Melbourne Victory held on for a scoreless draw against rivals Melbourne Heart.

Grant Brebner was handed a straight red card midway through the second half for a dangerous lunge, but Jim Magilton’s men salvaged a point from an entertaining clash at AAMI Park.

Former Victory and current Heart attacker Kristian Sarkies had a clear chance to fire Heart ahead deep into the second period, but he sprayed a chance on Ante Covic’s goal well above the crossbar.