In the absence of Matt Simon, Jordan Murray stepped up in spectacular fashion to deliver a goal, and an assist to down the Newcastle Jets in Newcastle.
The dramatic win, capped off by a Ben Kennedy penalty save was the club’s first three points against Newcastle in enemy territory since 2012.
Ecstatic with the win, Murray was quick to shift the praise to our dedicated fans who have continued their support during a tough season. He also spoke highly of the players’ camaraderie.
The hard work continues. This Sunday, we’re back in Gosford! #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/Ho2obsbgTq
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 26, 2019
Final whistle #F3Derby feels…
“It was brilliant, although a very nerve racking final 10 minutes,” Murray said. “We went into a comfortable three goal lead, they came back, but we prevailed, stuck to our guns and kept the lead thanks to BK at the end – a good victory.
Filling the void of Matt Simon, the mentor…
“It’s been tough up top this season but me and Matty have a good relationship and he said a lot of things to me before the game that helped me prepare and get me in the right mind frame.
“It was good to get on the scoresheet and get an assist, but it’s all for the team.
“Matt explained to me the importance of the #F3Derby and how to approach it – he gave me some really insightful words and we got the victory in the end.
How good was Jem's first goal for the yellow & navy? Check out all the highlights from our win over the Jets ➡️ https://t.co/ow6pv31DDn pic.twitter.com/MaHpxkuYYm
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 17, 2019
Camaraderie amongst the playing group…
“It’s been a tough year and it was definitely a tough week leading up to that game. That showed how tight we are as a group – no cliques, we’re all one and I think that showed in the #F3Derby how tight we are as a group.
“It’s a huge thing, especially when you’re going through a tough period. We stuck together, that really showed against Newcastle.
Life under Alen Stajcic…
“The Gaffer has been brilliant. He’s implemented a really good structure leading into games which is the type of thing we need which really built us towards that win against Newcastle and I’m sure it will help us going into Sunday’s game against Adelaide with hopefully another victory.
A huge thank you to the fans who came out tonight. ??
We couldn't have done it without you. pic.twitter.com/TME4j0OY2u
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) March 16, 2019
Doing it for the fans…
“The aim is to win. To finish off the season as best as we can. As much as the win was good for us, it was more for the fans. They came out in small numbers but it sounded like there were thousands over there, to have their support week in week out home and away is sensational.
“Playing at Central Coast Stadium has been brilliant. Even though it’s been a tough year, they’ve stuck to their guns and come in week in week out. Going around the fence lines after the game, seeing the fans still there to give you encouragement and confidence is a really rewarding feeling – we love playing at Central Coast Stadium,” Murray said.
Match Details
Hyundai A-League Round 23
Sunday, 31 March 2019
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Adelaide United FC
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Kick-off: 5:00pm (AEDT)
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #CCMvADL & #CCMFC
