Tom Hiariej is excited to be spending his New Year’s Eve at Central Coast Stadium, a venue that cannot be compared to anything he’s seen before. Kick-off is 7pm.
Hiariej made his return from injury in the Mariners’ Boxing Day away trip to Adelaide United and said that although he was happy to get back on the pitch – it’s New Year’s Eve at home that he has been eyeing off.
“I think we were a little unlucky in the game against Adelaide,” Hiariej said. “They scored a goal but we dominated possession, created a lot of chances and unlucky in the finishing but we’re looking forward to our next game.
“We want to prove to everyone that we are a winning side. It’s definitely an advantage to have a short five-day turnaround so we’re really happy with that. Today we trained, we spoke a lot about what we need to rectify to take three points on Sunday, so we know exactly what we need to do.
“Yes, I was really excited to get back on the pitch but I’m more excited about New Year’s Eve because it’s a home game. We know we need to give everything and we’re really looking forward to it,” Hiariej said.
Tom is PUMPED to be spending New Year's Eve at @CCStadium & says the Mariners will ensure there's fireworks both on and off the pitch! ? Kids go FREE ? https://t.co/NpfHaw1edS #ALeague #CCMvWEL pic.twitter.com/5NxG5jQORA
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 29, 2017
After plying his trade in the Eredivisie for almost a decade, Hiariej said that Central Coast Stadium is an incredible place to play football and one that is made even better by the passionate Mariners supporters.
“Central Coast Stadium is really good – especially with the palm trees and the sea,” Hiariej said. “The support from the fans and the band is really good. It’s great fun to play there and if we can win it’s obviously even better.
“To play at a stadium with palm trees, which we don’t have in Holland, is amazing. The atmosphere is unreal and you can’t compare it with anything in Holland,” Hiariej said.
Who's celebrating their New Year's Eve with the Mariners? KIDS GO FREE & there's fireworks on the waterfront after the full time whistle! ? Tickets still available ? https://t.co/N4NJ8ZIxIE #ALeague #WELvCCM pic.twitter.com/uGYk34F3sM
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 27, 2017
Although Hiariej was back in action on Boxing Day, the Mariners were without his fellow countryman in the midfield, Wout Brama. With Brama returning from suspension this week, Hiariej says this fixture is a must win.
“Me and Wout connect really well with each other,” Hiariej said. “We have shown in previous games that we can control the midfield which I think is really important to win games.
“We have lost three games in a row so this is a really good opportunity for us to move forward. We have to win this game and having a great atmosphere at home will certainly help us.
“This is the first time I’ve played on New Year’s Eve, I’m really looking forward to it. I know there will be some fireworks after the game but we will be trying to bring the fireworks in the game of course because we need to score goals, that’s what we want to give to the supporters,” Hiariej said.
Match Details
Sunday, 31 December 2017
Hyundai A-League Round 13
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Wellington Phoenix FC
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA 501
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #CCMvWEL & #CCMFC
