It’s been almost a year since Central Coast Mariners Members and supporters witnessed the potential of midfield ace Greg Owens and, thankfully, this time may soon draw to a close.
It-s been almost a year since Central Coast Mariners Members and supporters witnessed the potential of midfield ace Greg Owens and, thankfully, this time may soon draw to a close.
Owens, capped by his country at Qantas Young Socceroos (Under 20-s) level, has been a spectator for all of the Mariners- Premiership defence to date due to a troublesome hamstring injury.
Owens- hamstring strain is the latest in a series of unfortunate injury setbacks the 27-year-old has endured since swapping the red of Adelaide United for yellow and navy.
However, having trained strongly for over a month in addition to six National Youth League (NYL) appearances, it would seem Owens is again ready to be unleashed on the Hyundai A-League.
After finding the back of the net in the NYL last Saturday, Owens has now set his sights on reclaiming his place in the Mariners- Hyundai A-League squad – no easy feat considering the form of incumbents Adrian Caceres, Andre Gumprecht, John Hutchinson and Mile Jedinak.
“The goal was really good for my confidence, I should have at least had another couple, but the team on a whole did well and we look forward to the next game now,” said Owens.
“I-ve got ninety minutes under my belt, which gives me a bit of confidence, everything seems to be looking really good at the moment, I just have a bit of muscle soreness now that I-ve got to run out, but I-m looking forward to getting back into it again.”
Against the Roar, Owens also completed his first ninety-minute stint of the season in Mariners colours – his first for the club in a competitive fixture since December 2007.
One of Owens- most memorable contributions to the history of the Mariners was at this corresponding stage of season three, when the former Adelaide United attacking ace put in 78 minutes against Saturday-s opponents, Sydney FC, in the unforgettable 5-4 epic at Bluetongue Stadium – netting the Mariners- third goal of the evening from the penalty spot in the process.
Owens- Hyundai A-League debut for the Mariners was in August 2007 against Sydney FC, who are coached by his former boss at Hindmarsh Stadium, John Kosmina.
“I think we-ve been doing really well and for me, it-s going to be hard to break into the team,” said Owens.
“Sydney are coming off a win and they-ll be tough to beat as they-ll have a bit of confidence, but if the boys keep playing the way that they are, we-ll get the win.”
The Mariners- Hyundai A-League season continues at their Bluetongue Stadium home on Saturday, 13 December against southern rivals Sydney FC. Kick off is at 7pm.
Tickets for this match are on sale from Ticketek outlets, from the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.
