A clinical strike from Kosta Barbarouses fired the Roar to the lead in the 52nd minute before skipper Matt McKay had a free header to kill off the match in the 73rd minute at Bluetongue Stadium.

Barbarouses struck after a poorly timed pass from Mariners striker Daniel McBreen was intercepted by McKay.

McKay put Barbarouses away and he coolly cut inside Mariners defenders Patrick Zwaanswijk and Alex Wilkinson to fire a low shot into the back of the net.

While they were far from their best, the Roar always looked dangerous and took a major step to securing a home grand final when McKay, who was left unmarked, headed home a cross from Barbarouses with 17 minutes to play.

McKay was on hand to capitalise on some terrible defence from Central Coast.

The Mariners tried hard, but again lacked the cutting edge up front.

Central Coast created chances in both halves but either failed to get a shot on target or delivered a poor final ball.

The home team came close several times, hitting the post once in the first half and two times in the second half.

Whenever the Mariners looked threatening the Roar always had plenty of players behind the ball which has been a feature of the club's amazing 26-game unbeaten run.

The Mariners best moment came in the 61st minute when McBreen and Matt Simon hit the same post within 10 seconds.

A goal there would have given the home team a huge lift. Instead the Roar rallied and scored a crucial second goal.

The Mariners now face a monumental task of at least matching the result in Brisbane next Saturday night.

Central Coast Mariners 0
Brisbane Roar 2 (Barbarouses 52', McKay 73')
Crowd; 10,166 @ Bluetongue Stadium