Pedj Bojic may have sealed the three points for the Central Coast Mariners last Saturday with a 70th minute strike against Brisbane to round out a 3-nil win, but the defensive midfielder would be more than happy not to become known as a super-sub.
Pedj Bojic may have sealed the three points for the Central Coast Mariners last Saturday with a 70th minute strike against Brisbane to round out a 3-nil win, but the defensive midfielder would be more than happy not to become known as a super-sub.
Relegated to the bench to allow Matthew Crowell a chance to prove himself for the first time in a Hyundai A-League starting eleven, Bojic knew he had to respond positively, if he was going to force his way back into the side, during a time player depth is at its strongest.
“It-s the best answer to come back with,” said Bojic.
“Getting my first goal was a great thing and to do what I did at the other end (clear a shot off the line) to help the team keep a clean sheet is another great thing as well.
“I intercepted the pass and took a few touches, Kwas (Adam Kwasnik) was free down the inside but I already had my mind made up, so I went back post and it went in,” said Bojic.
Bojic found the back of the net nine minutes after being injected into the clash, and soon after was in the right place to clear a Sergio Van Dijk header off the line. His efforts sure to give Mariners- Football Manager Lawrie McKinna food for thought, with both he, and Matthew Crowell performing so admirably at Suncorp Stadium.
Fitness is unlikely to be a concern for McKinna-s men in Friday-s F3 derby at EnergyAustralia Stadium, today-s intense training session in stifling heat the first time in the club-s history, the full squad was able to take part in a full session.
“This is acclimatising for what is to come. It-s a great thing to have nice weather, and it does take its toll on you but you have to be smart in how you go about it,” said Bojic.
Newcastle are coming off the back of a 3-1 home loss to Melbourne Victory but form counts for little when bragging rights in such a fierce rivalry go on the line.
Bojic insists that rivalry isn-t restricted to just supporter and paper talk.
“Hopefully there will be a good crowd being the F3 derby and all, and hopefully it-s a nice night. They reckon rain but either way it-ll be a great night of football.
“You talk about it, you see it in the paper and especially now the A-League has been going a few years there is a lot of history between the two teams. It should be a great night, and when the fans get behind you it makes it even more of a derby,” said Bojic.
The fact the Jets are struggling at the wrong end of the table is of little interest to the Mariners, they are preparing for a titanic battle as all Hyundai A-League clubs search desperately for room to breathe on such a congested table.
“No-one is easy this year, if one team wins they always jump a few places, so it-s going to be a tight contest, and hopefully we can get three goals again and not let them score, but at the end of the day, it-s going to be tough,” said Bojic.
The Mariners take on Newcastle Jets this Friday, 23 October at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Kick-off is at 8pm.
The Mariners take on Adelaide United on Saturday, 31 October at Canberra Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now on sale by clicking here
