Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband says the team are ‘ready and raring to go in the second leg already’ after her side fell to a narrow 1-0 loss on Saturday evening in their Semi-Final first leg against Sydney FC.
The Mariners dominated possession and had more shots (18) and shots on target (7) against Sydney FC, a promising performance for Husband despite the narrow defeat.
READ MORE: Mariners fall to narrow defeat in Semi-Final first leg
“There were ebbs and flows throughout the whole game. We created some really good chances and on other days we take them.” Husband said in her post-match press conference.
“At the end of the day, it’s one game down and very much all to play for [in the second leg].”
Husband says her and the squad will take a lot of belief into the second leg, after causing Sydney plenty of problems in the first leg.
“We have a fantastic group of players, not only did they compete but you look at the problems we caused and what we created, especially in the second half.”
We are ready and raring to go in the second leg already.
Emily Husband after our narrow Semi-Final first leg defeat to Sydney FC.
A tight affair was expected prior to the game. This matchup is between the two best defences in the league this season, just 44 goals conceded between them, and the previous meeting at Our Paradise finished 0-0.
The Mariners found Jada Whyman in fine form on the day, she made six saves to keep the Mariners at bay, keeping another clean sheet to add to her chart-topping nine throughout the regular season.
“I anticipated it would be a tight game. Neither team have conceded many goals throughout the season so it was never going to be 4-4.” Husband said.
On heading into the second leg a goal down, Husband knows Sydney are in ‘a privileged position’ in the tie but maintains her team will stick to their principles ahead of the second leg.
“We will attack the second game the same as we did today.” Husband said.
“You’d always like to start a game 1-0 up, it’s a privileged position to be in, but we will stick to what we have done all season and play on the front foot and look to get one back.”
Emily Husband on approaching the second leg.
Husband also spoke to 10FootballAU following the match:
“Second half we changed a few things and created a few chances but football is about moments and you have to take those moments.” Husband said.
“It’s only half time. You’re 1-0 down at half time with the second half still to play. I said to the girls [at full time] that they don’t have to be disheartened because we are really good away from home. We will be ready and raring to go next week.”
Post match, despite the defeat on the day, Husband, Kyah Simon and injured club captain Taren King, were presented with the Club Championship Trophy alongside our Isuzu UTE A-League Football Manager Mark Jackson and two of his star players Max Balard and Josh Nisbet.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s one I’m really proud of. Working alongside Jacko this season has been fantastic and the men have done tremendously well. The Club Championship is massive, it shows you what the Mariners are really about.” Husband said.
Your 2023/24 A-Leagues Club Champions! 🏆
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) April 21, 2024
It was incredible to be presented the trophy today in front of you all, Mariners Family! 💛💙#CCMFC #TakeUsToTheTop pic.twitter.com/GgXGMUKaQu
