The Central Coast Mariners NPL2 team, sponsored by State Road Constructions will aim to be the first team complete the NPL2 Premiership/Championship since 2017 when they face Northern Tigers at Valentine Sports Park this afternoon.
Nick Montgomery’s side progressed to the Grand Final with a win against Bonnyrigg last weekend at Pluim Park and will kick off at 5pm Saturday.
? I want it thaaaaat way ?
All smiles ahead of tomorrow's NPL2 Grand Final!#CCMFC pic.twitter.com/IwZ79cU1po— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 8, 2020
The Mariners have already faced Tigers once this season, a 3-2 win at Pluim Park after Tigers came back to equalise from two goals down, but Monty knows there is a big task ahead on the day against tough opposition.
“Northern tigers are a good team, with some good individuals and well coached,” he said on Friday.
“That was a tough game when we played them here and although we’ve had the upper hand on them once this season, we know that’s not the case in the final.”
“It will be a tough game but we’ll go into it full of confidence after beating Bonnyrigg twice in the last two weeks, again a big physical team so we know what to expect from Tigers, we’ll be prepared for the game and give it our best shot.”
“They’ve got good players, but we try to only worry about ourselves.”
“We analyse the opposition but when it comes to the game it’s all about us and as long as we’re prepared for the game the boys will give it everything they’ve got.”
The team received a boost during the week with Luca Meggetto discharged from hospital two weeks after a freak training accident left him with a fractured skull and in need of surgery.
Asked about it on Friday, Monty said the news presented the team with a positive boost ahead of the grand final and a huge feeling of relief for their teammate.
The game promises to be an attacking spectacle give the Mariners’ record of 38 goals across just 10 games, and the Head Coach said he hopes the players are able to enjoy the occasion.
“It would just be a massive achievement to win the double, I’ve already said that as staff and a playing group we’re so proud of what we’ve already achieved this season.”
“We’re already in the history books and I want the boys to go out there, enjoy the moment and enjoy the occasion, because not everybody gets to enjoy a grand final.”
Fixtures | Saturday, 10th October @ Valentine Sports Park
1st Grade: Central Coast Mariners v Northern Tigers – 5pm
U/20’s: Central Coast Mariners v Hakoah Sydney City East – 1:30pm
Both games can be viewed LIVE & FREE on npl.tv!
These games are reserved ticketed only. Details here.
