It took Matt Simon just 14 seconds to find the back of the net when the Central Coast first took on North Queensland Fury at Bluetongue Stadium last season, and while the Mariners talisman isn’t expecting fireworks quite so early this Saturday, he is keen on adding to his tally.
It took Matt Simon just 14 seconds to find the back of the net when the Central Coast first took on North Queensland Fury at Bluetongue Stadium last season, and while the Mariners talisman isn-t expecting fireworks quite so early this Saturday, he is keen on adding to his tally.
Simon has netted 19 Hyundai A-League goals, none quicker of course, than in front of the Bluetongue faithful, against the Fury just a week shy of 12 months ago.
“It was awesome last time we played them at home to score that quick but at the end of the day I-d just be happy to get on the scoresheet this week, at any stage of the game,” said Simon.
“They played the ball to the side and their left back shaped to play it backwards. I thought I might be a chance to sneak in and grab the ball. As it happened I did, and I ran down and put it in the back of the net.”
It-s the last chance Mariners fans will have to see their heroes for seven weeks, as Gosford City Council undertakes complete returfing of the Bluetongue Stadium pitch, and after two wins and a draw at “Fortress Bluetongue” Simon hopes his side can contribute to Saturday-s party atmosphere.
Part of the festivities will include access for Members and supporters to the playing surface at the conclusion of the match.
“It-s good to have good home form to keep the crowds coming in, and it-s going to be our first Saturday night game (of the season), so hopefully we will get a big crowd out to follow us, and we can back that up with a good performance.
“Local sport is over now so it will be great to see all the Members and supporters getting out and supporting them this Saturday night, and hopefully we can put on a good performance for them,” Simon said.
The Fury is coming off the back of a 2-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix in the Kiwi capital, after conceding twice in the opening fifteen minutes. Simon would dearly love to see his side land a blow early in the contest.
“It-s always important to start well in games and hopefully we can grab an early goal.
“We just need to concentrate on having a good game plan, sticking to it, and hopefully we will get the three points,” said Simon.
While the visitors will be without experienced skipper Ufuk Talay because of suspension, the Mariners will finally unveil Argentine playmaker Patricio Perez to a home crowd, nine weeks into the Hyundai A-League season.
“Everyone is looking forward to seeing Patricio at home. We see him every day at training and we know what he can do. Hopefully he can turn it on, on Saturday Night,” Simon said.
The Central Coast Mariners will next be in action against North Queensland Fury this Saturday, 2 October at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. Kick-off is at 5:15pm and tickets are available online by at www.ticketek.com.au or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season are still available at www.ccmariners.com.au or by phoning 1300 767 442.
