Peter Skapetis made his debut for the Central Coast Mariners in their gripping 1-1 draw with Sydney FC last weekend, and now the former Brisbane Roar striker is fired up to take on his former club at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday.
“I was definitely happy to make my debut, even though it wasn’t the result that we wanted,” Skapetis said. “We’ll take a point against Sydney, and now I think we just need to build momentum going into the next few games, and get the three points in the bag.
“There were very encouraging signs to come from that game. We will definitely take that into the next game against Brisbane, and hopefully take the three points,” Skapetis said.
23-year-old Skapetis joined the Hyundai A-League with Brisbane Roar at the start of this season, after a six-year stint in England with the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.
The striker made an immediate impact for the Roar, scoring in their FFA campaign against Melbourne Victory and will hopefully continue to add to his goal tally with the Yellow & Navy.
We need YOU in the stands this Saturday. We’re taking on the 8th placed Brisbane for a chance to continue our climb up the ladder. Get your tickets ? https://t.co/Sa4iDjznBs #CCMvBRI #ALeague pic.twitter.com/HKTwZqy4v1
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 22, 2018
“I want to play finals football and do everything I can to help the team win games, and push the club in the direction it should be going, and that is higher up the ladder.” Skapetis said. “I’m comfortable playing on the right, the left, down the middle, and I want to offer what I can when I’m called upon,” Skapetis said.
The South Melbourne junior certainly won’t be intimidated by going up against his former teammates, and is keen to take a win for his new club, especially at the iconic Central Coast Stadium.
“It’s business as usual,” Skapetis said. “I have a lot of friends on the team, but at the end of the day, they’re professionals and so am I, and we’re going out to win a football game,” Skapetis said.
“I remember growing up watching the A-League in the first few seasons, and this stadium also standing out with the palm trees in the background. Visually it’s a beautiful stadium, but to actually play there after growing up watching it on TV, it will be a happy moment for me,” Skapetis said.
? WE HAVE POWER ?@CCStadium's new big screen has been switched on and is ready for Saturday night!
It's twice as big as the previous model, standing at 86m² ? There's also BRAND NEW speakers in the eastern & western grand stands!#CCMvBRI #ALeague pic.twitter.com/HNi8syikfP
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) January 22, 2018
With the season now well past its half way point, full attention turns to the upcoming clash against the eight placed Brisbane Roar and claiming three points which could prove crucial to the Central Coast’s ongoing campaign.
The next two weeks sees the Mariners play back-to-back home games against Brisbane (8th), and Western Sydney (6th).
“I think this period could define the season, especially over the next few weeks, with the fixtures we’ve got – they are all must win games, so we’ll treat it as a final to get us to the finals. It’s an exciting time ahead,” Skapetis said.
“It’s a very important game for the both teams. It’s a must win for both of us, and I’m sure with the quality we have in the squad, three points won’t be an issue,” Skapetis said.
Saturday, 27 January 2018
Hyundai A-League Round 18
Match: Central Coast Mariners vs. Brisbane Roar
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 7:50pm (AEDT)
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA 501 & One HD
Hash-tag: Join the match conversation using #CCMvBRI & #CCMFC
