Central Coast midfield general John Hutchinson believes the culture embedded in the club will work in his side’s favour as the Mariners look to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit in the second leg of the Hyundai A-League major semi-final at Bluetongue Stadium on Easter Sunday.
Central Coast midfield general John Hutchinson believes the culture embedded in the club will work in his side-s favour as the Mariners look to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit in the second leg of the Hyundai A-League major semi-final at Bluetongue Stadium on Easter Sunday.
Hutchinson, who has been with the Mariners since the inaugural season of Australia-s premier club competition, has watched many players come and go from the club since 2005.
And while a large proportion of the personnel may have changed throughout the years, Hutchinson says the unique Mariners spirit has remained a constant.
“The playing group here has the same culture that we had back then (in the first seasons), the same spirit,” Hutchinson said. “So we won-t give up the fight until the referee blows the final whistle and it-s all over.”
“You-ll see the boys fight until the end and hopefully we can get the job done.”
Hutchinson knows ‘the job- won-t be an easy one. Indeed, Brisbane Roar has never lost a match at Bluetongue Stadium.
But Hutchinson insists records and statistics will count for little when both sets of players cross the white line shortly before 5pm on Sunday afternoon.
“For us it-s just another game,” he said. “We know they-ve got a good record at Bluetongue but we-ve played well against them this year on all occasions.”
“We can-t fear them because we have good players and we just need to be more clinical in the final third.”
“Obviously we were disappointed with the 2-0 defeat (in the first leg), but we played a mid-week game and got a good result, so the boys are looking forward to the game.”
“This club has done it before where we have fought back, and we are just hoping we can do the same again.”
The Mariners will receive the Hyundai A-League Premier-s Plate prior to kick-off, and Hutchinson said he was looking forward to receiving the piece of silverware the players and coaching staff worked so tirelessly for throughout the regular season.
“It will be nice to get a real plate,” he said. “To get presented with the real one and let the supporters and the members share in our season is really nice, especially at home.”
Central Coast Mariners vs. Brisbane Roar – Hyundai A-League major semi-final second leg
Sunday 8 April – 5pm (kick-off)
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match.
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter!. The official match hash-tag is #HALccmbri. Add #GoMariners and #ALeagueFinals if you have room to help get the game trending!
Special Event: Central Coast Mariners to be presented with the Hyundai A-League Premiership Plate prior to kick-off. Be part of the crowd and applaud the boys for their phenomenal efforts throughout the home and away season
Line-ups: Please click here to download your complimentary team sheet.
