Central Coast Mariners have kept the race for the A-League Premier's Plate alive for another week after defeating Brisbane Roar 1-0 in Gosford.
The Mariners headed into the match under an enormous pressure, knowing anything less than a victory would hand the regular season glory to the Western Sydney Wanderers.
But the Mariners responded to the Wanderers 3-1 demolition of Melbourne Heart on Saturday when young striker Bernie Ibini-Isei struck late in the first half.
The defeat leaves the double reigning champions Brisbane two points outside the top-six with only two games left for the club to secure a finals spot.
The Mariners started the game on the back of two-straight defeats in the league, both in which the Gosford side failed to score.
But Central Coast were not going to allow their goal drought stretch to a third game, Ibini-Isei striking low past Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo in the 34th minute.
And despite the Roar's finals hopes sitting on a knife's edge, Brisbane quest to find an equaliser failed to materialise, leaving the Mariners to fight another day for the Premier's Plate and Brisbane to re-group for a crucial finals spot showdown with Sydney FC.
Wellington Phoenix picked up a rare win, 2-1 away to Perth Glory, but remain bottom of the league.
Paul Ifill and Stein Huysegems gave the Phoenix a 2-0 lead before Ryo Nagai pulled a goal back.
Wellington are now level on points with Melbourne Heart and only one behind Perth and Brisbane, but have played a game more than all three teams.
