EVER-PRESENT Central Coast Mariners defender Joshua Rose understands he and fellow fullback Pedj Bojic have an important role to play in Saturday’s highly anticipated Hyundai A-League clash against Melbourne Victory.
EVER-PRESENT Central Coast Mariners defender Joshua Rose understands he and fellow fullback Pedj Bojic have an important role to play in Saturday-s highly anticipated Hyundai A-League clash against Melbourne Victory.
Qantas Socceroos gun Archie Thompson and 21-year-old New Zealand flyer Marco Rojas have been key to Victory-s attacking thrust and forward movement so far this campaign.
Indeed, Rojas already has four goals to his name in Hyundai A-League season eight, while Thompson has made three assists and struck the back of the net on two occasions.
The pair-s pace and purpose down the flanks is something Rose knows he and Bojic will need to be prepared for.
“Those two have been very dangerous for them in the last few games,” Rose said.
“Pedj and myself are going to have to be pretty wary out on the wings and try and keep those two under control.”
“Melbourne have won a few on the bounce now so they-re going to be confident, and a lot of their goals have been coming through those two.”
But having helped the Mariners keep four clean sheets already this term, Rose believes the sound defensive structure drilled into the side by Head Coach Graham Arnold ought to assist the yellow and navy produce yet another strong performance at the weekend.
“We work a lot on our defensive structure,” he said. “And whenever we keep a clean sheet we are a very proud team.”
“We try and have the best defence in the league, that-s something we talk about. If we can get our defence right then I am sure our attack will follow.”
“They-ve got a great coach in Ange (Postecoglou) now and he-s got them playing some pretty good football over the past few weeks so they-re quite dangerous all over the park.”
“We-re going to be up for a big game and we know it-s going to be a tough match.”
“We want to keep winning and keep that confidence in the team.”
Rose also took time to praise Victory-s breakout star Andrew Nabbout for his arrival on the Hyundai A-League scene last weekend.
Despite having made his debut against Brisbane Roar a few rounds prior, Nabbout stole the headlines with a stunning two-goal display off the bench in Victory-s 3-2 triumph over Sydney FC.
“I love seeing young boys come through, especially out of the State League,” Rose said of Nabbout.
“I am sure he is going to get his chance on Saturday at some stage and we are going to have to be wary of him, that-s for sure.”
Melbourne Victory vs. Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 17 November, 2012
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEDT)
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter! The official match hash-tag for Melbourne Victory vs. Central Coast Mariners is #MVvCCM
