James Holland creates havoc in the major semi-final

James Holland created two goals tonight in the major semi-final between Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners. A 2-0 home win for the Jets should be enough to take the first spot in the Grand Final.

John Aloisi missed a penalty, yes John Aloisi, he hit the post with a screamer from a free kick and scored a wonderful poachers goal only to see it ruled offside.

TV showed the decision by Matthew Breeze, or at least his assistant, was wrong and it could prove the worst and most crucial decision of the whole season.

Good game, particularly the first half. Passionate crowd.

Three years ago a finals game between these two sides in Newcastle pulled 10,000. Today sold out at 23,000.

A good day for football and a home team won in front of a big crowd. Ain't that a first this season:)

Funny moment

Weren't many. Game was passionately contested, a little too passionate at times. Every time a Mariners player went in front of the Squadron a smile was raised in response to the taunts.

Crucial moments

Dodgy penalty for the Central Coast. Aloisi missing that penalty.

The two goals created by James Holland. In the Jets first real attack after wave upon wave of Mariners attacks Adam Griffiths heads one home.

When every player and I mean every player was shattered only 60 minutes into the game, (no wonder Pim has gone for the overseas boys) James Holland exchanged passes to create enough space for Andre Gumprecht to pull him down. Joel Griffiths slotted the penalty.

Best Coach.

Well tonight it was Gary Van Egmond. He won. He played it strong defensively when the Mariners threatened. And he kept James Holland on when he was clearly tired midway through the second half. It paid off.

Lawrie McKinna left Matt Simon off when the Mariners needed a little more pace than a slowing Sasho Petrovski could offer.

Key player

James Holland, just 18. His eigth game. He creates two goal in front of 23,000 in a frenetic semi final.

We are watching a new Australian football star rise. It's great.

The future

2-0 should be enough for the Jets, but of course an early Mariners goal could change everything. And they are capable of that.

Overall an exciting game, one that petered out due to the frenetic pace and heat in the first half.

Are the Jets in the Grand Final? I think so.