Focus has shifted to Thursday night and Andrew Hoole is confident the Mariners can go back-to-back thanks to a tightly knit playing group. We host Adelaide United at Central Coast Stadium, kick-off is 7:50pm.
It’s been a bright start to life on the Central Coast for Andrew Hoole who has already contributed with a goal and two assists after his four appearances in Yellow & Navy.
Against the reigning Champions and his former club, Sydney FC – Hoole stepped up to fire home the first goal of the match and put the game to bed with a precision corner that was expertly headed home by Jake McGing.
‘Hooley’ as he is affectionately known, paid credit to the strong Central Coast Mariners culture for the side’s breakthrough win over the Sky Blues.
“The playing group here is fantastic,” Hoole said. “When I first came in here, a week in it already felt like I had been here for six months so the boys are really welcoming. We’re a very close bunch of boys and I think you can see that on the pitch.
“We fight for each other and make sure that if someone gets beat in a tackle there’s someone there ready to win the battle and I think we can continue that throughout the season,” Hoole said.
We've got three players in the @ALeague Team of the Week, PLUS our coach ? Congrats: Alan, Tommy H, Hooley & Paolo! TOTW: https://t.co/3laYXt3Coj #ALeague pic.twitter.com/lItCzM2Fel
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) November 13, 2017
Despite a momentous win over the Champions, the 24-year-old attacker said that the focus must shift quickly to backing up the performance and taking three points from Adelaide United.
“It was good to score early,” Hoole said. “We had some good play down that left hand side through De Silva, Asdrubal and Painy which got us off to a very good start and from there on we completely controlled the match with and without the ball.
“There were some up and down moments in our first five matches but it all came together against Sydney which was promising for us and I’m sure we can kick on starting Thursday against Adelaide.
“Good scenes after the game, it really shows you what type of family the Mariners are and I am sure on Thursday night we will get a good crowd again.
Focus shifts to Thursday ?? Hooley is confident we can go back-to-back thanks to a tightly knit playing group! ? https://t.co/pm0WqaWmFI pic.twitter.com/XqQIjU200q
— #CCMFC (@CCMariners) November 13, 2017
“The question is now: can we back it up? I think we definitely can. I have full confidence in the team and everyone is sticking together nicely. Adelaide are coming off three losses so they will be hungry for a win but we are fully confident and going into the game with the same focus we had going into the Sydney match,” Hoole said.
Playing back-to-back home games provides the perfect opportunity to notch up back-to-back wins and Hoole credited the atmosphere at Central Coast Stadium.
“You always have an advantage playing at home,” Hoole said. “Playing in front of our home fans is great but whether it’s home or away we are confident in our ability. There was really good support there on Friday night against Sydney so hopefully they can come out in numbers again on Thursday night and take three points again,” Hoole said.
Hoole also praised the efforts of Dutch midfielders: Tom Hiariej & Wout Brama whilst speaking highly of captain Alan Baro who will miss Thursday’s match through suspension.
“On the ball, Tom & Wout are two of the best in the league,” Hoole said. “They’ve come in and provided great stability to the team on and off the ball. Everyone can see their qualities on the ball but I think off the ball they cover a lot of ground, win tackles and when they receive the ball in bad areas with pressure they are able to deal with it.
“Alan was very good on Friday and he’s a guy who keeps everyone level headed,” Hoole said. “He likes a joke but when it’s time to work hard on the training pitch or during a game he makes sure everyone is focused. He got a good standing ovation after he was sent off, which shows how good he was, he will be a loss on Thursday but I know that whoever steps in will do a top job,” Hoole said.
Match Details
Thursday, 16 November 2017
Hyundai A-League Round 7
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:50pm
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #CCMvADL & #CCMFC
