Central Coast Mariners striker Dylan Macallister believes that beaten AFC Champions League finalists Adelaide United are ripe for the picking at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday.
Central Coast Mariners striker Dylan Macallister believes that beaten AFC Champions League finalists Adelaide United are ripe for the picking at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday.
Perhaps the form Mariners player of the past fortnight, Macallister has relished his role at the pointy end of the Central Coast-s three-pronged front line and is on the hunt more goals and glory against the second-placed Reds.
One of the Mariners- major off-season recruits, having arrived back in Australia after four years in Norway-s top-flight Tippeligaen, Macallister has exploded back to prominence in his home country after what could best be summed up as a frustrating stint abroad.
Between 2004 and 2007, Macallister appeared in over 50 matches for clubs SK Brann, FC Lyn Oslo and Sparta Sarpsborg and netted seven goals in such time, a tally he has almost surpassed in Mariners colours after just ten competitive appearances.
“It-s been a good couple of weeks for me, I-ve stayed fit and got my spot in the team and hopefully I hold on to it,” said Macallister.
“The three strikers system is really working out for us and I-d like to think that we-re going to continue playing attacking football and as long as I continue to do my job – keep the ball and get into good positions, it should be a good few games coming up.”
That Macallister has only registered two starting appearances in Mariners colours in the Hyundai A-League this season is testament to striking quality at Bluetongue Stadium at present.
Macallister, who has proven to be somewhat of a revelation for the Mariners since first being introduced to the yellow and navy starting eleven two rounds ago, will be hoping to add to his pair of starting caps and three Hyundai A-League goals against Adelaide United on Saturday night.
Potentially opposing Macallister will be one of one his former youth international team-mates from one of Australia-s most celebrated restricted age representative squads – Lucas Pantelis.
Pantelis joined Macallister at the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand, where the Qantas Joeys were denied the world title following a 7-6 penalty shoot out loss to Brazil in the final.
Both Macallister and Pantelis started the showpiece match, though Pantelis was substituted shortly after the break.
“I think we-re getting Adelaide at the perfect time, there-s been so much focus on their AFC Champions League campaign and I think Saturday could be a time where we might just catch them off their game,” said Macallister.
“They-ve been performing well in both the AFC Champions League and the Hyundai A-League and all credit to them but we-re not taking this game lightly what-so-ever, there is a lot at stake.
“A win on Saturday night will put us second and going to Melbourne the week after, who knows what could happen down there.
“But we-re focused on Saturday night and we-ll be coming out with all guns blazing.”
The Mariners will resume their Hyundai A-League 2008/09 campaign at their Bluetongue Stadium home on Saturday, 15 November, when they host AFC Champions League finalists Adelaide United. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
Prior to the main game, the Mariners- National Youth League 2008/09 campaign will continue with a fixture against Adelaide United. Kick off is at 4.45pm, gates open at 4.30pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
