It took Peter Skapetis only one minute to score his first ever Hyundai A-League goal during his debut at Central Coast Stadium – a sure sign that the young striker has settled in well to his new home among the palm trees.
“It was nice to score on my home debut.” Skapetis said “I loved it. Everyone has been great. It was my first professional goal in the A-League, it was a special one. It means a lot.”
With a goal already under his belt, the 23-year-old attacker is looking forward to scoring again for the Yellow and Navy, as he finds his rhythm within the team.
“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, everyone has been great,” Skapetis said. “It’s definitely – hopefully – the first of many. I’m going to continue to work hard to recreate that as many times as I can towards the end of the season, if and when I get my opportunity.
“I want more – not only goals, I want assists, I want points, I want to win games, and with that hunger, there is never a doubt,” Skapetis said.
We added extras to today's training session! ??@peterskapetis has his first goal as a Mariner. He's hungry for more after seamlessly settling in on the Coast.#CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/9NpJ2ZeLrt
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) February 6, 2018
Peter’s determination will be vital in the coming weeks, as the squad prepares to tackle the pointy end of the season, and Skapetis praised the strength and support of his teammates.
“We’re never going to give up, we’re going to continue to fight, we’re all in this together. With the quality, and the depth we have in the squad, I think it’s still very promising, and we look forward to an exciting end to the season,” Skapetis said.
A split round this week means that the Central Coast won’t be playing again until February 17, and the extra time between fixtures will give the players a chance to recover and refocus before taking on Adelaide at Coopers Stadium.
“I think it’s come at a good time, because it’s a crucial part to our season,” Skapetis said. “Every game is a must win, by having this break now, mentally and physically, maybe we’ll get that bit of extra time and it will do us well for the final stretch of the season.
“We’re all in this together, we’re not going to give up, so we look forward to Adelaide,” Skapetis said.
With a short hiatus comes an opportunity for team bonding and cross-training. Today the Mariners were eager to show Skapetis how to make the most of a sunny Central Coast day with a spot of paddle boarding at Terrigal Lagoon after today’s training session.
What a way to introduce yourself. @peterskapetis' first touch at @CCStadium was a goal. It took him a minute…
? @FOXFOOTBALL#CCMvWSW #ALeague pic.twitter.com/V8KqU4cpqy
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) February 4, 2018
Skapetis was sure he would take to it like a true ‘Coastie’ – eventually!
“It will be good with the boys.” He said. “A little team bonding session, mix it up a bit.”
“I’m not always a fan of the water,” Skapetis laughed. “But I’m sure it will be a fun day!”
