He got hitched to his long-time partner Angie last weekend, and now Central Coast Mariners striker Matt Simon is intent on continuing his recent celebrations via a win over Sydney FC.
He got hitched to his long-time partner Angie last weekend, and now Central Coast Mariners striker Matt Simon is intent on continuing his recent celebrations via a win over Sydney FC.
The Mariners face the Sky Blues at Gosford-s Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7:45pm), and fresh from his nuptials Simon says the Mariners- preparations for their clash against their NSW rivals have gone swimmingly.
“The boys are doing really well, they-ve been really sharp all week,” Simon said. “We-ve got the captain-s run tomorrow just before Saturday night. The boys are really excited to get back on our home ground, put in a good performance and get the three points for our fans.”
With his honeymoon on hold, Simon says his full focus is on working his way towards top form as he aims to help lift Phil Moss- men towards the top of the table.
“I think I am still a little bit off my best,” he explained on Thursday. “Being out of the game for close to 18 months it-s taken a little bit of time to get back on my feet. But I feel as each game goes on I am getting stronger and fitter.”
“I am really looking forward to getting some more minutes under my belt and hopefully getting to that top form to help the team perform well and reach the top of the table.”
The match between the Mariners and Sky Blues will see key players for both sides come up against their former Clubs.
For Central Coast Liam Reddy is set to line up in goals, while Pedj Bojic is set for a return to Bluetongue Stadium in the colours of Sydney FC.
“-Rocket-s (Liam Reddy) going really well,” Simon said. “He-s obviously playing his old team this week and I think he-s really looking forward to that. I think every player that comes up against their old team is looking to put in a good performance, and I am sure Rocket is no different.”
“Rocket will let his performance do the talking, and hopefully he can put in a really good performance and help the team.”
“He-s (Bojic) had a long history with our Club. The boys are looking forward to playing against him, and everyone knows what he-s about – he-s quality down that right side. So the boys are going to have to be on their toes to try and contain him.”
A number of the Mariners family joined Simon and Angie at their wedding last Saturday, and the former East
Gosford Rams man said the night was made even more enjoyable with their presence.
“Obviously I have grown very close to a lot of players and coaches at my time at the Mariners and even outside of the Mariners,” Simon said. “It would have been nice to have the whole team there, but it was a good feeling to know that some of the boys were there and it made the night enjoyable.”
“We were together for 11 years before we got married so it was a good feeling and a great day,” he concluded.
A win over Sydney FC on Saturday – and perhaps even his first goal of the new campaign – would cap off a wonderful week for Matt Simon.
Central Coast Mariners vs. Sydney FC – Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Round 9
Saturday 7 December, 2013
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Gates open: 6:30pm
Tickets: Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! The official match hash-tag is #CCMvSYD
Watch: Live on FOX SPORTS 1 &1HD
Listen: Live on ABC Grandstand & Coast FM
