An enthusiastic opposition, undisciplined play and poor refereeing have combined to put Olympic's grand final ambitions on ice for at least another week, with the Sharks going down to Newcastle United 2-1 at Toyota Park.

United, winless in the seven finals games before tonight, saved its best for last season's champions who struggled to get out of second gear for much of the evening.

But it was a strangely listless match from the home side and some questionable decisions from referee Con Diomis that tipped the match in Newcastle's favour.

Olympic had been caught napping in defence after a 16th minute breakaway goal to United striker Ryan Griffiths but it was their second effort that raised most eyebrows.

Sharks midfielder Hiro Ishida appeared to get little contact on Griffiths on the edge of the six-yard box after Clint Bolton had attempted an initial clean-up operation but it was enough for Diomis to award a penalty.

Travis Dodd converted from the spot and the visitors went to a shock 2-0 lead.

Few things went right for the home side, the defence making uncharacteristic errors and the supply poor.

The usually reliable Ishida and playmaker Troy Halpin were amongst the worst in the midfield, the Japanese import capping a forgettable first half with his tackle.

Things improved for a brief period in the second half for the home side, Ishida putting the final touch on a spectacular break by Tom Pondeljak to put the home side back in the mix at 2-1 down after 55 minutes.

But any comeback plans were effectively thwarted just two minutes later when Olympic striker Jeromy Harris felled Adam Griffiths.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP