GOALKEEPER Justin Pasfield will remain with Central Coast Mariners for a further Hyundai A-League season after he put pen to paper on a new one-season deal with Club
GOALKEEPER Justin Pasfield (pictured above) will remain with Central Coast Mariners for a further Hyundai A-League season after he put pen to paper on a new one-season deal with Club.
News of Pasfield-s contract extension comes on the eve of the Mariners- clash with Wellington Phoenix at Gosford-s Bluetongue Stadium, with Graham Arnold-s men seeking to continue their dominant home record on the banks of the Brisbane Water.
27-year-old Pasfield has played eight matches for the Mariners in the past two Hyundai A-League seasons, and earns his extension by virtue of his displays during these outings combined with his commitment and professionalism in training.
“I-ve been here for the past two seasons and it-s exciting times,” Pasfield said. “I set myself a goal when I came here to try and establish myself as the number one but obviously Maty (Ryan) is doing fantastic. I am excited to be here for another season.”
Indeed, the former North Queensland Fury and Sydney FC custodian is at ease with his current role as Central Coast-s reserve ‘keeper, but believes he has the attributes to perform as the team-s number one when called upon.
“I haven-t played that much in the two years here but I feel like I can play here and in the couple of games I have played I think I have done well,” he said.
“Hopefully I can get more games but whatever helps the team out is the most important thing and we will just go from there.”
Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold described Pasfield-s re-signing as great news for the Club.
“He-s been great in the two years that we-ve had him here,” Arnold said. “In the games he-s played he-s shown that he can be a first team -keeper and I always like the luxury of having two first team ‘keepers.”
“With Pas (Pasfield), we-ve worked well with him over the last couple of years, he-s very professional in what he does so we-re very happy to re-sign him.”
While delighted with Pasfield-s contract extension, Arnold-s focus is firmly fixed on Thursday-s meeting with Wellington at Bluetongue Stadium, a match he feels his team is well prepared for.
Arnold can call upon Pedj Bojic and Nick Montgomery again after the duo missed the round 19 fixture with Brisbane Roar due to injury and suspension respectively. Oliver Bozanic will miss Thursday-s match due to the shoulder injury he sustained at Suncorp Stadium.
“The boys trained the house down today and showed that they are very fresh and ready to go,” Arnold said. “We-re at home and we-ve got to play our own way.”
“Pedj (Bojic) always recovers quickly from any slight strains, and he-s back to full fitness. Nick Montgomery is back from suspension and he looks freshened up. Oli Bozanic is out with his shoulder but we only expect that to be a 14 day injury, and other than that we are all healthy and fit.”
And Arnold dismissed claims that playing on a Thursday evening would affect the performance of his side.
“For footballers we don-t really look at the day, we just look at matchday,” he said. “Today is 24 hours before and we-ve prepared for the game the right way. The routine is the same as it always is, so if we get a good result tomorrow night the boys can have a good weekend off.”
“It-s another game at home and our record is fantastic this season with seven wins and a draw from eight matches, and we-ve got to make sure we maintain it.”
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Mathew Ryan, 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 9. Bernie Ibini, 13. Brent Griffiths, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Brad McDonald, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 17. Anthony Caceres, 18. Nick Montgomery, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield, 21. Mile Sterjovski, 29. Nick Fitzgerald (Three to be omitted)
In: 4. Pedj Bojic (returns from injury), 15. Brad McDonald (promoted), 18. Nick Montgomery (returns from suspension), 29. Nick Fitzgerald (returns from Gentleman-s Agreement)
Out: 11. Oliver Bozanic (Shoulder – 1-2 weeks)
Unavailable: Nil
Wellington Phoenix squad: Mark Paston (GK), 2. Manny Muscat, 3. Tony Lochhead, 4. Isaka Cernak; 5. Michael Boxall, 8. Paul Ifill, 10. Stein Huysegems, 11. Jeremy Brockie, 12. Tyler Boyd, 14, Ian Hogg, 16. Louis Fenton, 17. Vince Lia, 20. Glen Moss (GK), 21. Dani Sanchez, 22. Andrew Durante
In: 3.Tony Lochhead (returns from suspension), 5. Michael Boxall (promoted)
Out: 18. Ben Sigmund (suspended), 7. Leo Bertos (injured)
Unavailable: 18. Ben Sigmund (suspended), 7. Leo Bertos (groin injury, 1 week)
Central Coast Mariners vs. Wellington Phoenix – Hyundai A-League Round 20
Thursday 7 February, 2013
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:00pm (AEDT)
Tickets: CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the match!
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! The official match hash-tag is #CCMvNIX
TV: Live on Fox Sports 2 & 2HD
Radio: LIVE on Coast FM (96.3FM locally or streamed online at www.coastfm.org.au)
CLICK HERE to download a copy of the #CCMvNIX Stat Pack.
