Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss has called on the region’s football fans to rally behind his side this Saturday when the defending Hyundai A-League Champions host Western Sydney Wanderers and the Red & Black Bloc (RBB) in Gosford.
Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss has called on the region-s football fans to rally behind his side this Saturday when the defending Hyundai A-League Champions host Western Sydney Wanderers and the Red & Black Bloc (RBB) in Gosford.
Moss has been impressed by the atmosphere the Mariners Brass Band and fans have made this season, but says for such an important match it is vital that the club-s supporters dig as deep as his players to help turn the 20,059-capacity complex into a cauldron of noise, passion and emotion.
“I believe the Mariners Brass Band have done a great job transforming the atmosphere in the Stadium this year,” Moss said. “Even on days when there has been smaller crowds the Band and our fans have given us the support we-ve needed to fight until the final whistle.”
“But Saturday is a huge game for us, as we know it is for our fans. We need to have as much yellow and noise in the Stadium as we can so when our players are searching for the ‘one-percenters- that make a difference in a match, they can source energy from our fans to go that little bit harder.”
“Over the past four seasons ourselves and Brisbane Roar have set the standard on the field, but it has been the Wanderers- supporters who have set the standard in the stands. On Saturday we need our fans to come to Central Coast Stadium in their droves, create a sea of yellow, sing for yellow, and drown out the RBB from the first to the final kick of the match.”
Indeed, with just two points separating the second placed Wanderers and fourth placed Central Coast on the ladder, Saturday-s game will be crucial in determining which of the two 2013 Hyundai A-League Grand Final combatants finish the regular season highest.
The Mariners and Wanderers first met in round 1 this season, with the sides drawing 1-1 in Gosford. The yellow and navy-s Mitchell Duke opened the scoring for the home team before Tomi Juric levelled proceedings with mere minutes to play.
Just before Christmas Western Sydney got the better of Central Coast in Parramatta, claiming a 2-0 win in Hyundai A-League round 11. That day Juric and Dutch attacker Youssouf Hersi netted the goals to help Tony Popovic-s side secure all three points.
At Saturday’s fixture the Mariners will also celebrate the career of one of Australia-s best ever players, Mile Sterjovski.
Sterjovski will retire at the completion of the Club-s 2013/14 campaign, and while he may feature again in Gosford for the Mariners in the AFC Champions League and/or 2014 Hyundai A-League Finals Series, the club will take action this weekend to ensure the Australian 2006 FIFA World Cup representative receives the recognition his service to Central Coast and contribution to the sport deserves.
“Mile Sterjovski has had an amazing career in football and in just two seasons with us has made a momentous contribution to our club,” Moss said. “He deserves a great send-off and while we-re sure fans will get to watch him in Gosford again before the season is over, we urge all our supporters to come to this weekend-s match to help us formally thank and honour Mile.”
A number of activities at the match have been planned to celebrate the memorable career of one of the key members of Australian football-s ‘Golden Generation-.
Gates for Saturday-s Mariners vs. Wanderers clash will open at 4:30pm, with kick-off at 5:30pm.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Round 25
Saturday 29 March 2014
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 5:30pm
Gates open: 4:30pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter using #CCMvWSW & #ThanksMile
