WHAT a surreal feeling it was that swept Bluetongue Stadium at full-time on Saturday night.
WHAT a surreal feeling it was that swept Bluetongue Stadium at full-time on Saturday night.
Having just defeated Adelaide United 1-0 with a dominant second half performance, it should have been party time.
But, having been told the Newcastle-Brisbane score at full-time, it was undeniably an empty feeling knowing that only Brisbane midfielder Mitch Nichols converting an 81st minute penalty to take a 2-1 lead and ultimately earning his side a victory had stood between us and the Premier-s Plate until the last day of the season.
We had across the Tasman tomorrow morning brimming with confidence that we can bring home the three points and prove we have been the most consistent team of the A-League season.
I can say with my hand on my heart that we are going over there with a nothing to lose attitude.
Why? If someone had said that after our exploits of last season we would back it up with a top two finish and back-to-back AFC Champions League campaigns, we would have grabbed it and run for the hills.
To be playing for the Premier-s Plate on the last day of the regular season with a two-point advantage over a record-breaking Brisbane Roar, couple with our travel schedule for A-League (Perth and Wellington away in the last three weeks) and AFC Champions League games is a huge achievement in itself.
People always mention the heartbreak of last season-s grand final but I only look back at last season as a success as I will this season.
We are far and away the smallest club in the league but continue to out-perform the big brothers on and off the field.
With our centre of excellence showing real signs of life, we may soon be flexing the biggest muscles.
Here-s hoping next week I can bring you a Premiership-winning Moss Pit but, either way, the Central Coast people can be proud of their team.
