Three sleeps out from their opening home match of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season at Bluetongue Stadium, the Central Coast Mariners are hoping to take inspiration from their biggest ever win over Sunday afternoon’s opponents, Adelaide United.
Three sleeps out from their opening home match of the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season at Bluetongue Stadium, the Central Coast Mariners are hoping to take inspiration from their biggest ever win over Sunday afternoon-s opponents, Adelaide United.
Matt Simon netted his eighth goal of the 2007/08 campaign on his way to that season-s golden boot, while Sasho Petrovski and Adrian Caceres also got their names on the scoresheet, in a 3-nil win over that year-s AFC Champions League finalists, on November 15, 2008.
“It was a pretty good day, I know we were around the top of the table and we won 3-nil, I think Adelaide were coming off the back of the Champions League Final so we got them at the right time and they were pretty tired, so it was a good result and good to get on the scoresheet,” said Simon.
The result that day was part of a landmark season for the Yellow and Navy, which ultimately saw them lift the Premier-s Plate at season-s end, and while it-s a long road ahead, Simon says a similar result this Sunday could hopefully kick-start another successful season.
“3-nil and to get on the scoresheet would be great,” Simon said.
“In the first home game it-s very important to perform well in front of a home crowd, so hopefully we can put on a good performance.
“Everyone is buzzing and feeling fit, and Clarky (Head of Sports Science Andrew Clark) is doing a great job with all the boys so hopefully we can put on a good performance for the home crowd, and get the big crowds that we used to back at the stadium.”
And Simon had particular praise for the new man at the helm, Head Coach Graham Arnold.
“It-s been great. Arnie has come in which has been good for the boys, he demands such a high standard, so I think we-ll do well this year,” said Simon.
Usually taking his spot at the front end of the Mariners attack, Simon found himself in a somewhat unfamiliar position in behind the strikers in the opening round against Melbourne Heart, and put in a man of the match shift, which helped his side to a famous 1-nil victory over the competition-s newcomers.
“Going down there in the first game of the year against a new club was a huge result for us and especially once all the other games ended up being draws putting us two points clear at the start is pretty good, so hopefully we can keep that gap there and get a bit of consistency,” said Simon.
Tickets for this match are available online BY CLICKING HERE or by phoning 132 849. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season are still available BY CLICKING HERE or by phoning 1300 767 442.
