Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan expects a tough contest when the Mariners head to Perth for the Week 18 clash against the tenth-placed Perth Glory on Sunday at nib Stadium.
Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan expects a tough contest when the Mariners head to Perth for the Week 18 clash against the tenth-placed Perth Glory on Sunday at nib Stadium.
After finally breaking a 10-game stretch without a victory three weeks ago, the Glory has again suffered a dip in fortunes and sit second from bottom on the Hyundai A-League ladder, but Ryan is wary of the wounded bull.
“They are a bit unpredictable at the moment so we will be going there expecting them to play their best football and hopefully we can better their performance,” said Ryan.
The young custodian believes that the team-s performance against the Sydney FC last Saturday night at Bluetongue Stadium was a great confidence booster for the Central Coast side after a disappointing result against league leaders Brisbane Roar.
“We walked off the park against Brisbane embarrassed by our performance and we just wanted to win the fans back with the performance against Sydney and hopefully we have done that.
“Sydney is one of the best teams over the six years of the A-League and to come out and show the fans what we did and 4-0 is a great result. No doubt the team conceded a fair few goals against Brisbane and Gold Coast, but it was good to come out and the game plan was kind of a reaction and it was good to get a win on the weekend,” said Ryan.
After two matches back at home, Graham Arnold-s men are on the road again for the eleventh time this season. The 18-year-old ‘keeper is quickly learning all about the travel involved with being a footballer in the Hyundai A-League.
“Travelling takes a toll on the boys, but we do get looked after with the best accommodation and they do everything to make sure we prepare well for the game.
“The travel that we did for the five games I think that resulted in the Brisbane game but now that we are back to one game a week, I don-t think the travel will be too much if it is only once a week, so it should be alright for this week,” Ryan said.
Another vital three points under the belt, will make the five hour return flight all the more bearable.
The Central Coast Mariners next home match of the 2010/11 Hyundai A- League season will be against North Queensland Fury on Wednesday, 22 December at Bluetongue Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30pm and tickets are available by CLICKING HERE or by phoning 132 849.
