Central Coast Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik found the back of the net for the second time this season in last week’s 4-nil drubbing of Melbourne, and is keen to add to his tally when the team travels to Townsville for the first time ever this Saturday, to tackle Hyundai A-League newcomer North Queensland Fury.
Central Coast Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik found the back of the net for the second time this season in last week-s 4-nil drubbing of Melbourne, and is keen to add to his tally when the team travels to Townsville for the first time ever this Saturday, to tackle Hyundai A-League newcomer North Queensland Fury.
“It was good to score, it-s always good to score, I-ve said that in the past, but as a team we-ve got some momentum now after beating the champions 4-nil and we-re going to take that confidence into the game.
“It-s going to be a tough game, we know that, but we just have to worry about ourselves and get on with it,” said Kwasnik.
The Mariners silenced criticism they-ve been lacking in the final third after a clinical display in front of goal against the reigning double winners, in a match where all three strikers selected in the 15 man squad found the back of the net.
“It-s been said in the press that we haven-t been scoring a lot of goals but we whacked them in against Melbourne and showed we have the depth in the squad to do some damage this year.
“Now that we have put those critics to bed we have to concentrate on getting back-to-back wins and that will boost us up even more, and go from there.
“There-s a lot of competition right through the squad, and four of us (strikers), three at the moment since Dylan (Macallister) is injured, but (Nik) Mrdja is right on mine and Simmo-s (Matt Simon) heels, and come Saturday in Townsville hopefully one of us can get on the scoresheet and we can come away with the three points,” Kwasnik said.
Saturday will mark the first time the side has had to deal with the energy sapping conditions in Australia-s tropical far north, but Kwasnik insists the weather will be the same for both sides, and he and his teammates can-t let it become a factor in their performance.
“The humidity up there is going to be amazing. I-m not sure if I can compare it, but we went to Hong Kong for pre-season a couple of years ago and the humidity there was amazing as well.
“We have a bit of experience but nothing in A-League terms, so we have to go there and put that behind us mentally, do our talking with our feet and hopefully come away with three points,” Kwasnik said.
While Dylan Macallister is unlikely to be considered after suffering a heavy cork in Saturday-s National Youth League win over Brisbane and Chris Doig is also expected to miss the trip with a quad strain, the Mariners will go into the match close to full strength.
It-s just as well according to Kwasnik, who is expecting a tough time of it up against the Hyundai A-League-s freshest faces.
“They-ve got a bit of quality in their squad as well, you can-t take that away from them. They-ve grinded out a few results so we just have to worry about ourselves.
“This year can be a special year, we have a lot of depth in the squad but we have to be consistent. We haven-t been to date, but going up there on Saturday after beating the champions, we-re full of confidence, we want to get the three points and go from there,” said Kwasnik.
And, the former Northern Spirit and Wellington Phoenix marksman has a special celebration in store should he find the back of the net at Dairy Farmers Stadium, after hurting his knee as he regained his feet following last week-s goal in Melbourne.
“My goal celebration is going to be special if I manage to get up properly!” laughed Kwasnik.
“I-ve got something in mind for Saturday if I do manage to get on the scoresheet.”
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Perth Glory on Friday, 27 November. Kick-off is at 8:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now on sale by clicking here
