After starting the last two Hyundai A-League fixtures, Isaka Cernak has looked sharp in the Mariners front third and is pumped ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Melbourne City at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm & tickets are on sale now.
Cernak has been utilised in a number of roles throughout the season, however in consecutive starts against Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets, the former Australian under 20s representative has provided spark to the starting 11 and says the finals are still a chance for the Mariners.
“It’s been good personally to get starts, but overall the team’s been playing well. We’re just not getting results.
“We’ve played some good football and there’s positive signs for the rest of the season. It’s come a bit later on, but it’s nice to see we’re playing good football and we’ve still got enough games to turn it around,” Cernak said.
Cernak is a man who has experienced life with a number of Hyundai A-League clubs after stints with Brisbane Roar, North Queensland Fury, Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory but the winger ensured the fans and members that the Central Coast is a special club.
Off contract at the end of this season, Cernak looks at the prospect of playing for a new deal as a strong motivator to keeping up his good form on the park.
“It’s good pressure. I came here with the intention of staying for a long time.
“It’s what footballers have to deal with, short contracts – all you can do is focus on your performances and I think I’ve been doing that the last few games,” Cernak said.
“In the past when I was younger I was happy to move around, experience different teams, different environments, but coming here was special.
“The boys here are very different in the change room and the staff – it’s an environment I want to stay in. It is a goal for me, a very big target just to stay here for another season,” Cernak said.
Cernak believes that a season of rebuilding and continued focus on youth development will ensure the yellow and navy a bright future in Australian football.
“This team is just as good as any other team. We back the players in this change room to be title contenders and all we need to do is make sure we take advantage of the next few games and win and put ourselves in a position where we get ourselves into finals.
“The young boys they’ve recruited are very good players and they’re getting their chances this season. You can see them starting to find their feet and the more experience under their belt they’re going to become very, very good players and it holds the club in good stead for the future Cernak said.
At 25, Cernak has moved into a stage of his career where he believes he can contribute as one of the leaders at the club and “Sarks” is hoping his performances will do the talking in landing a new contract.
The immediate focus is closing the gap on the sixth placed city slickers from Melbourne and the inclusion of Cernak serves as a small omen ahead of the clash – his last start at home came in our 2-0 win over City in January.
Sunday March 8, 2015
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne City – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 20
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 3:00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: Click here to purchase
Television: Live on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio: Live on 96.3 Coast FM & ABC Grandstand
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #CCMvMCY #CCMFC
