The Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League side has a date with destiny this Sunday afternoon at Bluetongue Stadium, when Stephen Roche’s troops face a star-studded Brisbane Roar for the right to contend the Westfield W-League grand-final seven days later.
The Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League side has a date with destiny this Sunday afternoon at Bluetongue Stadium, when Stephen Roche-s troops face a star-studded Brisbane Roar for the right to contend the Westfield W-League grand-final seven days later.
The Mariners- women went agonisingly close to clinching the Premiership title last weekend – needing only a draw in the final round against Sydney FC to finish the regular season in top-spot – though Leena Khamis- 35th minute strike was enough to send the Central Coast outfit into second-spot.
Despite the late set-back, the Mariners group is still confident of a strong showing against Brisbane Roar to secure what would be a historic grand-final berth.
Central Coast Mariners- striker Jenna Kingsley is confident the side will be ready for a shot at history.
“They did beat us last time, though we will be ready to play this weekend,” said Kingsley.
“They are a really good side, they have a lot of experience, and they move the ball around really well, so we will need to be at our best to get over them and win.”
The Mariners- fell to their first loss of the season against Brisbane Roar in Round 3, courtesy of a late goal to Sasha McDonnell.
The disappointment of that loss is still high for the Mariners women, and revenge will be the order of the day come Sunday.
“They did beat us, and the goal did arrive very late, though we were in the match until the end, and went very close to getting something out of it.
“Like I said, it will be a tough match, though we hope to have a vocal crowd and take advantage of playing on our home ground this time,” said Kingsley.
The Mariners women will need to eliminate the disappointments of the final Round loss against Sydney FC, a match where the Central Coast needed only one-point to clinch the Premiership and avoid a showdown with the highly fancied Brisbane Roar.
“We were devastated with the result… I think the fact that everyone was really pumped for the match (leading into the match), we all wanted it so badly, we just seemed to rush everything and panicked.
“We failed to play the simple passing, and although we are devastated, we will be ready for this weekend-s match against Brisbane,” Kingsley said.
The Central Coast Mariners will also be buzzing following the Westfield W-League Awards ceremony earlier this week where the side scooped the pool, collecting five of the ten categories on offer.
Striker Michelle Heyman, who has netted 11 goals this season, picked up awards in three categories, whilst goalkeeper Jillian Loyden, and coach Stephen Roche, both collected awards.
The Mariners will be hoping to take full advantage of another boisterous crowd at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday, with a repeat of last weekend-s turnout of 800-plus supporters expected.
“The crowd was fantastic, and we hope to have them again with us on Sunday to help us get into the grand final,” said Kingsley.
The striker, who has started the Mariners- last two League matches, is confident the side will be up for anything the Roar will throw at them.
“Unlike any other team we are a real family, and every player in the team are very aware of this.
“We do everything for each other; we play for each other, we train for each other and we all really get along.
“This will help us get over the Sydney FC loss and I am sure that we can prove this in the semi-final,” said Kingsley.
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (C), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O’REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
*one to be omitted*
In: Caitlin COOPER (return from suspension), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (knee – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (promoted), Courtney BEUTEL (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot) Brooke SPENCE (ankle – season)
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
The Central Coast Mariners next match of the Westfield W-League season will be a Semi-Final against Brisbane Roar this Sunday, 13 December at Bluetongue Stadium. Kick-off is at 3:00pm, tickets are $5 for adults, $2 concession. Mariners- Members and Kids under 4 free. Tickets available at the gate.
Mariners Four Match Christmas Packs are available online by clicking here
