Central Coast Mariners defender Nigel Boogaard can barely face walking through the streets of his hometown if the yellow and navy come up short in an F3 derby match, because he knows what his fellow Novacastrians would have in store.
Central Coast Mariners defender Nigel Boogaard can barely face walking through the streets of his hometown if the yellow and navy come up short in an F3 derby match, because he knows what his fellow Novacastrians would have in store.
It-s one of the reasons why Boogaard, who progressed through the ranks of the Jets- forefathers, Newcastle United, is so desperate to get one up on the Mariners northern rivals, in every derby.
“It-s always good to beat Newcastle,” said Boogaard.
“I still get a bit of stick up home if we get beaten by them, so it will be good to hopefully beat them this time around. Last year I was a little bit unfortunate, I didn-t get the chance to play too many games against the Jets because of injury, so I-m really looking forward to this Friday.
Boogaard, also a huge Newcastle Knights fan, was disappointed with his NRL side-s defeat at the hands of Parramatta at the weekend, but now hopes he and his teammates can continue a miserable sporting week for the Steel City-s passionate fans.
“The Knights had a good start to the season but they are struggling a little bit now, and I hope they make the top eight, but it was a great start for us to the season and hopefully we can follow it up on Friday night with a win against the Jets and really start the season off well,” said Boogaard.
Newcastle fans have promised strong traveling support, and with both teams entering the season-s first F3 derby on the back of first up victories, Boogaard hopes the Mariners faithful turn out in force, to help the side over the line for back-to-back victories.
“They played well last night but we would hope we-re able to do the job on Friday night, to really start the season off well and move forward. There-s no point dwelling on that win down in Melbourne unless we can perform on Friday night and get the result.
“Our back four played well, and (Chris) Doigy has certainly come in and slotted in well. The win was really because of a team defensive unit, which helped the midfield and Simmo up front. The back four were the ones to get the praise, but I think the team as a whole really defended well.
“Hopefully there is a big crowd there to support us in the derby, and hopefully the result against Melbourne has bought a few more thousand to the stands,” Boogaard said.
The Mariners first home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season against local rival Newcastle Jets is this Friday, 14 August. Kick-off is at 8pm. Tickets are available online here here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now available online by clicking here or by phoning 1300 767 442.
