Central Coast Mariners captain Matt Simon has promised to make his team-mates aware of the hostilities behind the #F3Derby before rivalries are renewed with Newcastle Jets on Sunday. Kick-off at Central Coast Stadium is 5pm.
Having returned to the Mariners in the off-season, Simon is now set to feature in the fixture for the first time since March 2014.
“It was the original derby,” the striker said “It’s the main point of this week, to make sure the boys understand we’re the closest teams to each other and the fixture has got history about it.
“There’s nothing better than scoring in a derby. Obviously, Newcastle are playing at our ground and when they come down they travel in numbers, so it’s always a good atmosphere.
“I’m looking forward to getting back involved in it again. The boys will be up for it on Sunday,” Simon said.
Belief amongst the squad ahead of the all-important #F3Derby…
“The biggest thing for us is to stay positive and stick together as a group,” Simon said. “We find ourselves eight rounds in without a win, but the belief around the squad is still there and the positivity, the only thing we can do is stay together and everyone wants to win games so as I say everyone is sticking together and working hard to get that win,” Simon said.
“We are only looking forward and it just happens to be that this week is the Newcastle Jets and it’s no better time to turn things around for us, it’s a huge game and I think it’s one on the calendar that all the players look forward. Back in the day when I used to play in those games it used to always good and the fans always turn out, so the boys are really looking forward to Sunday and putting in a good performance and getting the result we want,” Simon said.
Earlier this week our players stopped by Gosford Hospital to deliver some presents and put some smiles on the kid's faces! ? We would like to thank the amazing people involved with @RMHCAustralia for supporting the families of ill children, especially at this time of the year. pic.twitter.com/8ipVp7EFU1
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 20, 2018
Master chats about apprentice, Jordan Murray…
“He has done well since he has come in, we know he can score a lot of goals and it was his first start last week so it was unfortunate to be on the wrong side of the result being his first start, but he is going to be better off for that run, a bit of experience now playing and coming off the bench a couple of times he has been injured the last couple of weeks so still coming back to full fitness, but as I said he’ll be better off for that run and I’m really looking forward to what Jordy (Jordan) can do this year,” Murray said.
Match Details
Sunday, 23 December 2018
Hyundai A-League Round 9
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Newcastle Jets
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #F3Derby & #CCMFC
