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AAP
AAP
George Clarke

Stamatelopoulos helps Jets end Roar's ALM finals bid

The Jets have ended Brisbane's finals aspirations thanks partly to Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (8). (Pat Hoelscher/AAP PHOTOS)

Brisbane's A-League Men finals hopes are over after limping to a meek 2-0 home loss to Newcastle.

Needing a win to keep their slim chances of a top-six spot alive, the Roar were made to rue their wastefulness in front of goal at Suncorp Stadium.

It is the third-straight season Brisbane have failed to play finals football.

And on Saturday their inability to finish proved costly with Clayton Taylor and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos scoring in the second half to give the Jets the win.

Clayton Taylor.
Newcastle players celebrate Clayton Taylor (13) putting them ahead in Brisbane. (Pat Hoelscher/AAP PHOTOS)

In finding the back of the net for 16th time this season Stamatelopoulos equalled a club record held by Adam Taggart for the most goals in the same campaign.

The result was also significant for Rob Stanton's side, who claimed their first away win in nine games and recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

But the story of the night was Brisbane and their lack of composure in the final third.

Their execution, be it shot or pass, was found lacking as they rained down at the goal of impressive Newcastle goalkeeper Ryan Scott.

Antonee Burke-Gilroy had a shot cleared off the line half an hour into the game and the Roar continued to up the pressure.

Henry Hore fired an effort across the face of the Jets goal but Frenchman Florin Berengeur was inexplicably unable to turn home.

Locked 0-0 at halftime Brisbane continued with a similar impetus with Scott diving well to avert the danger of a Jack Hingert cross soon into the second half.

From there the Jets went charging down the other end with Taylor firing a limp shot through a retreating and somewhat static Roar defence in the 53rd minute.

While Hore in particular tried to spark the Roar and get them level, his efforts were all in vain when Kosta Grozos floated in a 63rd minute free kick.

Stamatelopoulos climbed high above the Roar defence and nodded the ball home to give the visitors the victory.

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