They’ve won just twice at Suncorp Stadium, and are chasing their first win in four matches, but the Central Coast Mariners are confident they can head to Brisbane and go some way to re-writing the history books against the embattled Roar.
They-ve won just twice at Suncorp Stadium, and are chasing their first win in four matches, but the Central Coast Mariners are confident they can head to Brisbane and go some way to re-writing the history books against the embattled Roar.
Lawrie McKinna-s side succumbed 1-nil in their most recent visit, courtesy of a Craig Moore header from a corner just over a month ago, and Mariners defender Nigel Boogaard says the side is working hard to eradicate the issues which lead to those types of goals.
“The back four has been doing well. We-ve probably conceded a few goals at set pieces which is something that we-ve got to work on, so if we can rectify that, hopefully we-ll go a long way to keeping clean sheets,” Boogaard said.
Clean sheets have become more familiar in season five, they-ve conceded just six goals in their opening ten matches, opponents unable to breach the Mariners- steely defence more than once on any occasion this season.
The problem now appears to be turning draws into wins, and Boogaard is only too aware that victories are vital in propelling the Central Coast toward the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder.
He hopes it starts this Saturday at Suncorp.
“I think each week is very important. If we don-t start getting all three points teams are going to start getting away from us, and from the mid to end of the season we-re going to be really chasing results, so we need to really get on top and get the points.
“In the past Brisbane has been a tough place to go and get a result. They are a tough team at home and they-ve proven that over the past five years, but the boys are obviously looking to turn around some average form at the moment, and we really need to get a roll on and start moving, because if we don-t get moving soon, teams might get away from us,” said Boogaard.
Any problems the Roar may be facing are the last thing on the minds of those in McKinna-s squad.
After going ahead through Matt Simon after just 14 seconds against North Queensland, the Mariners allowed the Fury back in the contest, when Daniel McBreen headed home a corner late on, and it-s these kinds of lapses the Central Coast has been working hard to address this week.
“We look at each team and how they are going to play, but it ultimately comes down to how we play. We have to work on a few things this week at training and get better from our performance against North Queensland. Hopefully we can go up there and do a job, because we definitely need the three points at the moment,” said Boogaard.
As for his own game, Boogaard has won widespread praise for his efforts in defence, identified by many observers as the club-s most outstanding performer throughout the opening ten rounds.
He shifted from the centre of defence to the right with the arrival of Chris Doig at the start of the 2009/10 season, and although he-s quick to downplay his good form, it-s clear the 23 year old is feeling comfortable in his newfound position.
“I don-t mind playing out on the right because you can get a little bit more of the ball, and get a bit further forward, but still have defensive duties, so I-m enjoying my role at the moment,” Boogaard said.
The Mariners- next home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Adelaide United on Saturday, 31 October at Canberra Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:00pm. 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.
