Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Phil Moss says he’s expecting a tough contest in his side’s Hyundai A-League Round 25 clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday evening.
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Phil Moss says he-s expecting a tough contest in his side-s Hyundai A-League Round 25 clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday evening.
Both sides will be hoping to claim maximum points, with just two points separating the second placed Western Sydney and fourth placed Central Coast on the ladder.
“It will be a fantastic battle, we-re expecting a physical encounter,” Moss said. “Historically they have been very good games of football, very tight and reasonably low scoring.”
“That is because both teams are very tough physically and mentally. I think it-s going to be a fantastic game of football with a lot at stake with second spot.”
The Central Coast boss says there is a lot of confidence amongst his squad heading into the final home match of the regular season.
“We need to consolidate a top four spot. We really need to go into the finals with some momentum. There-s certainly a lot of belief in the squad and the most pleasing aspect for me is that I-ve got 22 fit players, all fighting for starting positions week in week out.”
“It-s crucial and it-s driving the intensity. Our standards are getting better with every training session and the boys are flying at the moment.”
Moss has called on Mariners Members and supporters to rally behind his team on Saturday night and help the yellow and navy claim their first win of the campaign against Tony Popovic-s red and blacks.
“Western Sydney have really set the standards in the stands. I think this is a real chance for Mariners fans to get behind their team and show that we-re united here on the Coast. We need our 12th man on Saturday night more so than ever,” he said.
“We-re at home and we need to make sure that the fortress remains intact. The players and coaching staff will be doing what they need to do, but we need our supporters to come out and play their role.”
Moss praised former Socceroo Mile Sterjovski for his efforts ahead of his final regular season match at Gosford-s idyllic bayside arena.
“There-s a few people in world sport that you sort of run out of superlatives to describe [and] Mile is one of those people. He really is a champion, he epitomises this on and off the field,” he said.
“The way he has mentored our younger players and just his attitude to being a professional footballer is second to none.”
“He-s a great guy, a fantastic guy to have around the dressing room, a fantastic footballer who has had a great career. He goes out on his own terms and we-re hoping we can send him out on a high.”
The much-anticipated contest could also see Central Coast midfielder Glen Trifiro take to the field against his older brother Jason.
“Glen has come to the Club from Sydney United 58 and I was delighted to give him the opportunity,” Moss explained. “He-s stepped up with ease and been a valuable member and made some very valuable contributions. If he does get his chance on Saturday night, I-m sure there will be a little bit of extra motivation to get one over his brother.”
Central Coast Mariners vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Round 25
Saturday 29 March 2014
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:30pm
Gates open: 4:00pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter using #CCMvWSW & #ThanksMile
