After a thrilling 3-3 draw on Thursday evening against Macarthur FC, the Mariners face off against Daniel Sturridge’s Perth Glory in an all-important game for the Yellow and Navy on Sunday afternoon at Central Coast Stadium.
The hosts were in action just three days prior as they mounted a brilliant comeback from 2-0 down. Marco Ureña, Ollie Bozanic and Moresche all found the back of the net however two wonder goals from Tommy Oar and Craig Noone forced the spoils to be shared despite the Mariners dominating much of the contest.
The Yellow and Navy haven’t had the best of times against Perth Glory at home in recent years but a change in fortune could come their way this Sunday as they look to claim three important points in a big clash for Nick Montgomery’s side with the likes of Nicolai Müller impressing in a 45 minute second half cameo on Thursday night.
Perth Glory haven’t been in action since the start of the month and this match will be their first game back following a number of COVID-19 forced postponements with the side based in NSW due to the extended closing of the Western Australia border.
Mariners frontman Marco Ureña has had an impressive season so far, involved in goals in almost every game this season and despite playing the second least of matches of all teams, has amounted the third most shots on target this season (12). Defensively, the Mariners have been inspired at the back with Dan Hall and Kye Rowles forming a strong partnership and remain one of only two teams remaining yet to make an error leading to an opponent shot at goal in the 2021/22 A-League Men season, the other being Macarthur.
Nick Montgomery spoke about the constantly changing schedule that has impacted every team, but more so, Perth Glory.
“I think it’s the same for every team, but you just want a run of games to maintain consistency.
“They’re a dangerous team if you don’t give them the respect they deserve and it’ll be a good game tomorrow. I’m looking forward to the match and hopefully we can carry on the way that we played on Thursday night.”
Defender Dan Hall has been imperious at the back this season alongside Kye Rowles and spoke about his performance and what he puts the success down to.
“Obviously I’m just grateful to be playing regularly as at the start of the season I didn’t know how many minutes I’d be getting.
“To be playing consistently is something I’m really happy about and having someone like Kye next to me, there’s no fluke he’s a Socceroo and learning off him each day is making me a better player.”
The Mariners will be looking to a vastly important home win over Perth, a feat that has not been achieved by the Yellow and Navy since 2017 when the Mariners defeated the Glory 1-0 at Central Coast Stadium.
Prior to the Isuzu UTE A-League match, Perth Glory Women’s will call Central Coast Stadium home once again, this time as they lock horns with Melbourne City in the Liberty A-League Women’s, and those who have purchased a ticket for the Men’s match will enjoy this match included. The highly contested match between Central Coast and Perth Glory kicks off at 5:45pm at Central Coast Stadium, with the Liberty A-League match, starting at 3:05pm.
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s MW13
Sunday 13th February 2022
Central Coast Stadium, Central Coast, NSW
Kick Off: 5:45pm
Tickets: Here
