Imposing defender Ruon Tongyik made a return to the pitch for the Mariners in the round two #F3Derby against the Newcastle Jets, and the competitive debut was noted with a unique stat from Andrew Howe on Twitter.
Ruon Tongyik makes his 3rd @Aleague club debut (WSW, BR, CCM) in 363 days.
Only one player has done this in less days – tonight's @FOXFOOTBALL commentator @djmcbreen 362 days (NQF, PG and CCM 08-Aug-09 to 05-Aug-10) #F3Derby— andrew howe (@AndyHowe_statto) October 19, 2019
The 22-year old has been something of a journeyman in his formative years, but speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Glory said he is feeling at home on the Central Coast.
“For all footballers I think we know it’s hard to find your feet at the right place,” he said.
“But I’ve found the right spot here and I am really enjoying my time at the Mariners and I think that under StajI can develop and become better and just improve my game.”
Tongyik’s first Hyundai A-League appearance at the Mariners came after 15 outings at Melbourne City, three at Western Sydney and eight at Brisbane and will be hoping to work his way into Alen Stajcic’s backline plans.
“I’ve been feeling very good,” he said this week of his return to action.
“It feels really good to be out and training with the boys since I’ve been out for a while.”
“But I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to the team, the boys have done really well and I have to work hard to get my spot back.”
Tongyik spoke highly of the Glory ahead of Sunday’s game, particularly their well-documented forward line.
I think Perth are a really good side,” Tongyik said.
“We’ve obviously analysed them this week, we’ve watched their video, their strengths and weaknesses and how we can exploit them but we go in with the mentality that we’ve got nothing to lose and that we should be able to get the result.”
“They have a very strong attacking third, but defensively they’ve been good too.”
“I think they’re the type of team that will sit off, particularly when the opposition has got the ball.”
“But for us, we need to be able to control the game and make sure we’re going there to win.
The Mariners will travel to Perth on Saturday, before flying straight to Melbourne during next week as they prepare for the round five meeting with Melbourne City.
Match Details |
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
HBF Park, Perth
Sunday, November 3rd | 6pm (AEDT), 3pm (Local)
