Adam Kwasnik is Central Coast Mariners' hero after netting the winner in tonight's preliminary final against Gold Coast United. Kwasnik struck on 75 minutes thanks to a fortunate scramble inside the visitors' penalty area.

Mariners winger Michael McGlinchey had a shot blocked before the ball fell kindly for Kwasnik, who was able to steer his shot past Gold Coast goalkeeper Glen Moss.

The Queenslanders should have equalised soon after, but were denied by an inspirational double save from young Mariners No1 Matt Ryan.

The Mariners shaded the game on chances created, but Gold Coast will leave thinking what could have been if they had made the most of some loose defending from the hosts throughout the 90 minutes.

Watching Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou will feel confident going into next week's final against the Mariners, which played out tonight in front of a disappointing crowd of 7,539.