A “fired up” Central Coast Mariners outfit will be determined to put a red-hot Adelaide United to the test at Central Coast Stadium tomorrow night as Hyundai A-League action returns to Gosford. Kick-off is 5:00pm.
Head Coach Phil Moss said this week is all about “reaction” and he has been impressed by the level of intensity, physicality and determination that has been show on the training park in their preparation.
“Tomorrow night I think you’ll find there will be a lot of boys breathing fire in that Mariners shirt.
“Focus, concentration and belief are the three keys.
“If we stay focussed, stick to the game plan and defend our box with intensity, we’re every chance of keeping a clean sheet against one of the top attacking teams in the league,” Moss said.
Adelaide United have only won one of their last 10 encounters at Gosford’s idyllic bayside arena, although the Reds travel to the Coast full of confidence having trounced Newcastle Jets in their last Hyundai A-League fixture on Saturday 24 January.
Phil Moss’ men have been working hard on the training park after a defeat at the hands of Sydney FC in their last match, leaving the Mariners hungry to bounce back against Josep Gombau’s charges this weekend.
Two new faces have the chance to play their part against Adelaide with the naming of Anthony Kalik and Liam Rose in the preliminary 18 man squad – two of the Mariners hottest prospects at just 17 years of age.
The Mariners have a prime focus on developing youth and off the back of this week’s recruitments of Josh Bingham (age 20), Jake McGing (age 20), Jacob Poscoliero (age 24), and Michael Neill (age 20) as well as the landmark partnership with Everton F.C. the club is committed to the cause.
Liam Rose spoke of the chance to make his first professional appearance for the Mariners.
“I’ve been aiming for this [first team position] all season, hopefully I can get on the bench tomorrow and go from there.
“If I get the chance I think I can control the game, I bring calmness and control to the field and one of my biggest strengths is bringing other players into the game as well as my control with the ball,” Rose said.
This weekend’s fixture is the start to a crucial run of matches for the Mariners with back to back home games (Feb 7 and Feb 13) followed by the club’s 2015 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off on Tuesday 17 February at Central Coast Stadium (opponent TBA).
Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 16
Saturday 7 February 2015
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:00pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets
Twitter: @CCMariners #CCMvADL
