Michael McGlinchey says the Mariners are well and truly ready for their FFA Cup semi-final after a 7-1 demolition of the North Shore Mariners at Pluim Park on Wednesday night.
McGlinchey grabbed two goals of his own alongside a hattrick from trialist John Roberts and Jordan Murray’s brace as the hosts poured in five second half goals.
FT | A convincing display in tonight's pre-season clash, and we finish as 7-1 victors over @nsmarinersFC at Pluim Park! #CCMvNSM #CCMFC pic.twitter.com/KmHbKxLHfL
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 25, 2019
Now, the attentions of the team are turning to Wednesday and a blockbuster do-or-die clash with Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium.
“We have a massive month ahead for the club with the FFA Cup semi-final and then the opening game down at Western Sydney, so it’s exciting,” McGlinchey said.
“It’s been a long pre-season but we’re ready for the semi-final now.”
McGlinchey’s two goals added to his brace against Maitland back in July and confidence is now building for himself and the squad as the Hyundai A-League season looms large in the coming weeks.
“We were up 2-0 at half-time and the gaffer said to take our chances, and we did that, which is very pleasing,” he said after the game.
“Whenever you can score goals is a good thing.”
“For myself to build on the FFA Cup goals and build on my confidence in front of goal is great for me going into the season.”
“It’s hard sometimes coming into training when there’s not much of a focus on a match at the end of the week, [like this one].
“But now we’ve got that semi-final as the next game and everybody‘s chomping at the bit to start in the game.”
“It’s pleasing that we can get seven goals and the manager has a headache to pick the team.”
The match at Pluim was a welcome return home to a side who have been playing on the road of late, and the midfielder said the whole team is looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd next week.
“We’ve had most of our games away in the FFA cup so far, so it’s great to get that home draw and hopefully we can put on a show for them,” he said.
