The Central Coast Mariners’ Westfield W-League side faces a physical battle at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday, when Melbourne Victory comes to town.
The Central Coast Mariners- Westfield W-League side faces a physical battle at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday, when Melbourne Victory comes to town.
Following a flawless display in the 6-0 demolition of Adelaide United in Round 7, the Mariners will need to focus as the fourth-placed Victory aim to claw their way to within two-points of the Yellow and Navy.
Central Coast defender Samantha Spackman has been in fine touch with her consistent displays, and the Mariners- youngster is well aware of the task at hand on Saturday.
“We have to be at our best, as we know Melbourne Victory are a very strong, very physical side,” said Spackman.
“They are coming off an important result against Brisbane Roar (1-1 draw at Ballymore Stadium) where they scored late on, so they will certainly be a huge test for us.”
The Mariners women trail Brisbane Roar by one-point heading into this Round 8 encounter, yet still, no further motivation is required for Spackman & Co.
“We have had a great season, though we are a little disappointed to have lost against Brisbane Roar, regardless of how strong a side they are.
“Our aim is to finish the regular season as strong as possible, and then give it our all in the finals,” Spackman said.
The Mariners- form over the first seven rounds of the competition has illustrated the huge progress made by a very inexperienced side in the inaugural Westfield W-League season, and although Spackman was not part of that group, Mariners- version 2 has moulded nicely for coach Stephen Roche.
“He does have a tough job every week because all the girls are training hard, and pretty much anyone can go in and do the job for the team.
“Our morale and team spirit is so good, and it is a great feeling each and every training session and match,” said Spackman.
Spackman has vested the colours of the Young Matildas team, and although every player-s dream is to play for the Matildas, her short-term ambitions remain fixed on the Mariners.
“I would love the chance if it came to play for the Matildas, that is obvious, though my main goal at the moment is to focus on my game, continue to improve individually and as a team here at the Mariners,” said Spackman.
The Mariners- defender is confident her side has what it takes to challenge for the title.
“We most certainly do, though we need to keep the same intensity and self belief. We-ll focus on finishing the season firstly, then in the finals anything can happen, though we will be certainly aiming for a grand final win,” said Spackman.
Get together with your Mum and celebrate football with style at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon!
Our most talented women-s footballers will be strutting their stuff on the field in a huge double-header in front of some of the superstars of the game who have played for the Westfield Matildas.
To help your celebrate, we-re offering a special price for entry, just bring your Mum and get 2 for 1*
See Sydney FC take on Perth Glory at 3:00pm before the Mariners clash with Melbourne Victory at 5:45pm.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for concession. Tickets are available at the gates. Gates open at 2:45pm.
*Special offer $5 for mother and daughters who attend the match together.
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O’REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
*three to be omitted*
In: Trudy CAMILLERI (promoted), Elizabeth O’REILLY (promoted), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 19. Enza BARILLA, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
*one to be omitted*
In: Stephanie CATLEY (returns from international duty) Katrina GORRY (returns from injury), Caitlin FRIEND (returns from international duty), Enza BARILLA (returns from illness)
Out: Gulcan KOCA (not selected), Julianne SITCH (suspended), Kara MOWBRAY (contract expired)
Unavailable: Nil
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now on sale by clicking here
