With the Mariners travelling south in a bid to stifle the Sky Blues stellar run at the Sydney Football Stadium, Justin Pasfield will look to put impress in the absence of young shot-stopper Mathew Ryan who is away on Qantas Australian Under 23’s duty.
Central Coast Mariners custodian Justin Pasfield is set to face one of his former clubs in his competitive debut for the Yellow and Navy this Saturday night.
With the Mariners travelling south in a bid to stifle the Sky Blues stellar run at the Sydney Football Stadium, Pasfield will look to put impress in the absence of young shot-stopper Mathew Ryan who is away on Qantas Australian Under 23-s duty.
“It-s a good opportunity for me,” Pasfield said.
“It-s unfortunate for me that I couldn-t start from the start of the season, but that-s the way it goes.
“Maty-s been in terrific form from last season, and he-s a great ‘keeper and a great young guy as well and he deserves his chance in the National Team.
“This week is a good challenge for me and hopefully I can do well,” he said.
Signed by Graham Arnold mid-way through last Hyundai A-League season following impressive showings with the now defunct North Queensland Fury, Pasfield kept a clean sheet for the Mariners in their international friendly win over Glasgow Celtic in July.
He also put in a number of competent displays during the Mariners pre-season campaign, before a minor injury interrupted his preparations.
“I had a big of a setback with an injury at the start of the season, but we got that fixed,” he said.
“I feel good. I-ve been working really hard with ‘JC- (goalkeeping coach John Crawley) the times I haven-t been playing.”
Pasfield is eager to test himself against the likes of Sydney star Brett Emerton, however emphasised it would be a team effort to shut out the Sky Blues collective.
“It-s great for the league and the fans getting these players back,” Pasfield said in reference to Emerton and Harry Kewell.”
“It-s really good for the fans and the players, it brings up the standard of the competition.
“We-ve got to make sure we-re on our game and not worry about individuals, and just worry about our structure and shape,” he added.
Match Details
Sydney FC vs. Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 19 November 2011
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Tickets: Click Here for ticket information.
Transport: Call the friendly Coastal Liner team on 4392 3050 for bus enquiries. Visit the CityRail website to plan your journey to and from the game by train.
