Historians have to delve deep into the archives to find the Mariners’ last triumph on home soil over Brisbane (formerly Queensland) Roar, back, in fact, to the first ever meeting between the two sides, when the Central Coast enjoyed a 3-1 win at Bluetongue Stadium, in the inaugural Pre-Season Cup on July 23, 2005.
Historians have to delve deep into the archives to find the Mariners- last triumph on home soil over Brisbane (formerly Queensland) Roar, back, in fact, to the first ever meeting between the two sides, when the Central Coast enjoyed a 3-1 win at Bluetongue Stadium, in the inaugural Pre-Season Cup on July 23, 2005.
Now sitting in fifth place on the Hyundai A-League ladder, and coming off back-to-back losses, Mariners midfielder Pedj Bojic knows breaking the Brisbane Bluetongue duck this week is imperative to the side-s title chances.
“It-s funny how those things happen over the years, and when you-re not involved from day one but they still carry on.
“They have a new coach and are looking to bounce back and do well. We have to get back to winning again, we-ve lost two in a row and I don-t think that is going to carry on, so we have to get a win in front of our home crowd,” said Bojic.
Despite the end result, the Mariners will take plenty of positives out of the 3-nil loss to Melbourne.
“We seemed to dominate for the majority. The first 15 minutes we defended well, we knew what their game plan was going to be, and then after that we dominated, but in the lead up to their first goal it just kind of swung their way.
“If you look at our last three performances, Perth wasn-t our best then against Gold Coast we improved and then I thought we improved again against Melbourne but it was just one of those things, they were clinical in front of goal and they got their three goals,” said Bojic.
Bojic has been ever present in the Mariners- starting eleven since coming on as a second half substitute in the most recent meeting between the two sides, and scoring a goal, in the 3-nil victory at Suncorp Stadium just over a month ago.
He believes that 20-minute cameo, in which he also cleared a goalbound effort off the line in defence, was a turning point of his season.
“Yeah, you could say that, and plus because I got my first goal as well. I-m back in the frame and am slightly more of an attacking option for the team, and hopefully I can continue that.
“If I score I score, but if not, the important thing is getting the three points and push for that top two position,” Bojic said.
Just seven points separate third and last place on a congested ladder, and while the Mariners are only four points clear of the foot of the ladder, Bojic believes there is also a great chance to bridge the gap with the competition frontrunners.
“Newcastle is a prime example. X-amount of weeks ago they were down the bottom, nearly last and now they are in the top four, so it just goes to show if you go on a run with back-to-back wins your right up there so we have to start that again,” said Bojic.
And it starts this Saturday against Brisbane. With the Mariners- enjoying two home matches in the space of a week, this Saturday night represents the ideal opportunity for Members and Supporters to get to Bluetongue Stadium and get behind Lawrie McKinna-s men.
“They-ve got to come in their numbers, then for me it-s a home game next week against Sydney and again on New Years Eve. Realistically, nine points is what we should be looking for in these next three,” Bojic said.
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Brisbane Roar on Saturday, 19 December. Kick-off is at 6:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Four Match Christmas Packs are available online by clicking here
