Head Coach Tony Walmsley and marquee man, Luis Garcia have previewed our first home #F3Derby of the season. Let’s take a look at their thoughts heading into Hyundai A-League round 21.
After a disappointing away trip to Melbourne the Mariners will head into Sunday’s clash without Fabio Ferreira (suspended), Jacob Poscoliero (suspended) and Storm Roux (injured).
Although to counteract the missing men, Walmsley’s side will be bolstered with the return of Luis Garcia & Jake McGing from injuries that kept them out of the Melbourne travelling party.
This Sunday the Mariners will also acknowledge the tireless efforts of Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) by trading their iconic yellow kits for a football take on the traditional red and yellow patrol uniforms for our next #F3Derby at Central Coast Stadium THIS SUNDAY!
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Tony Walmsley
“Storm is loved by all of the players so if anything, I think it’s galvanised our players to go out and put in a big shift for him,” Walmsley said.
“This is my first home #F3Derby, Jets are coming in as favourites which is very unusual but it’s not unexpected based on the last couple of weeks but it’s a derby and form can turn in an instant.
“It’s a derby at Central Coast Stadium and the likes of Monty & Rosey who have been there many times before will be pulling the young guys in and preparing them for hopefully, something special.
“Our fans have got a right to be demanding something special from all of us so that excites us,” Walmsley said.
Luis Garcia
“Derbies are special, you’ve got friends who are fans of the other team and you always enjoy them so winning this game is important for the club and especially for our fans,” Garcia said.
“If Tony decides to play me behind I’ll play behind, if he wants to play me up front as a false nine then I’ll do that.
“I’m looking forward to this game, a couple of the lads are coming in which is great for the confidence and shows that we’ve got a deep squad so hopefully we can play a good game,” Garcia said.
Key Stats
- The last time either team won an #F3Derby was October 2014, since then there have been three draws and only four goals scored between the teams.
- Central Coast Mariners are undefeated in the last nine iterations (W4, D5) of this clash including a current streak of three wins when hosting the Jets.
- On Sunday it will be 2970 days since Newcastle’s only win at Central Coast Stadium and 1226 days since their last win against the Mariners at Hunter Stadium
- Not since their first two away games of the season (in Rounds 1 & 4) have Newcastle Jets won an A-League game away from home; they have since lost four and drawn two.
- Mitchell Austin has made 98 crosses so far this season and is poised to become the first player this season to make 100.
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1.Paul IZZO (gk), 3.Josh ROSE, 5.Harry ASCROFT, 6.Mitch AUSTIN, 8.Nick MONTGOMERY (c) 10.Luis GARCIA, 12.Trent BUHAGIAR, 13.Alastair BRAY (gk), 14.Daniel HEFFERNAN, 15.Brad McDONALD, 16.Liam ROSE, 17.Francesco STELLA, 19.Josh BINGHAM, 21.Michael NEILL, 22.Jake McGING, 23.Tomislav USKOK, 25.Adam BERRY, 28.Matthew FLETCHER **two to be omitted**
Ins: 10.Luis GARCIA (return from injury), 14.Daniel HEFFERNAN (promoted) 17.Francesco STELLA (promoted), 22.Jake McGING (return from injury), 28.Matthew FLETCHER (promoted)
Outs: 2.Storm ROUX (fractured fibula – season), 4.Jacob POSCOLIERO (suspended – 1 week), 7.Fabio FERREIRA (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: 9.Roy O’DONOVAN (suspended – 1 week)
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Mark BIRIGHITTI (Gk), 2. Daniel MULLEN, 3. Jason HOFFMAN, 4. Nigel BOOGAARD (C), 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI, 6. Cameron WATSON, 7. Enver ALIVODIC, 8. Mateo POLJAK, 9. Milos TRIFUNOVIC, 10. LEONARDO, 14. Mitch COOPER, 16. Steven UGARKOVIC, 17. Radovan PAVICEVIC, 19. Morten NORDSTRAND, 20. Ben KENNEDY (Gk), 22. Lachlan JACKSON, 24. Nick COWBURN, 28. Ryan KITTO **two to be omitted**
Ins: 5. Ben KANTAROVSKI (returns from suspension), 8. Mateo POLJAK (returns from suspension)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 11. Labinot HALITI (knee – season)
Sunday February 28
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Newcastle Jets
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Gates open: 4:00pm (AEDT)
Kick-off: 5:00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio Broadcast: 96.3 Coast FM
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #F3Derby
