After two weeks on the road, Connor Pain can’t wait to get back to Central Coast Stadium on Sunday and says when it’s bouncing, there’s nothing quite like it. Kick-off is 7pm against Melbourne Victory
Last week the Mariners travelled to Perth to take on Perth Glory where Pain created the assist that resulted in Wout Brama’s maiden Mariners goal.
The Yellow & Navy have scored first in all three of their games this season and Pain says his side need to remain focused for the full 90.
“We were very disappointed to come back with nothing from the match that we really thought we should have won,” Pain said. “There were a couple of lapses at the back and you know we have to be better in that regard as well as finishing the game off when we could have probably put the game to bed in the first fifteen minutes.
“But we have to take the positives from the game and look forward to Sunday.
“It was good for me to finally put a good performance in but it didn’t mean as much because we did not get the points but it’s good to get an assist on the board and hopefully continue into this week.
“There are still plenty of positives we can take: we had good possession, had good forward movement, so we just need to work on that and go into the next game confident,” Pain said.
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— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) October 26, 2017
There isn’t an easy game in the Hyundai A-League and this Sunday the Mariners host Melbourne Victory, Pain’s former club. Victory striker, Besart Berisha has been suspended for two weeks but that won’t have an impact on the Mariners’ preparation.
“I know that Victory would be disappointed with how they have been going so far, so I guess that there are similarities that we are both looking for our first win and we’re both disappointed that we haven’t got our first three points already so it’s going to be a great contest and one that I’m looking forward to personally as well as the rest of the boys.
“Whoever they come out with, not sure at this stage, they are all quality, so we will prepare for the game the same way no matter the personnel,” Pain said.
With 11 new faces in the Mariners squad, Pain said everyone has settled in well both on and off the pitch. Andrew Hoole is also back from suspension this week, adding further competition for spots in the attacking third.
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“Yeah, they are great, obviously we have been creating chances and there has not really been a problem,” Pain said. “The boys who have come in are fitting in well and everyone has made them welcome, all the boys are great to have in the change room and on the park as well.
“Hooley is great we have worked together for years now in the Young Socceroos and he just brings something else to the game. He has great close control and good forward runs.
“There’s four of us going for two wing spots and whoever gets the nod will do great,” Pain said.
With two away matches back-to-back Pain is buzzing at the prospect of returning to Central Coast Stadium.
“There is no place like Central Coast Stadium when it’s bouncing,” Pain said. “You know it’s a great place to be, great aesthetics and if a lot of people will come through the gates I’m sure it will be a great occasion and one that we will go in with full confidence,” Pain said.
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— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) October 26, 2017
Match Details
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Hyundai A-League Round 4
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Melbourne Victory
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Kick-off: 7:00pm
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #CCMvMVC & #CCMFC
