Mariners midfielder Harry Steele is ready for a massive game this weekend, as the Central Coast trave south to take on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
Three quarters of the way through his second campaign at the club, Steele has played a key role for the side so far this season.
Whether it be in central midfield, as a wing back or an impact player off the bench, the youngster has been one of head coach Nick Montgomery’s go to men.
Steele played 83 minutes across two positions against Macarthur, working brilliantly with midfield partner Max Balard. The duo winning the battle in the centre of the park, going a long way to securing us the victory.
Heading down to Melbourne this weekend to take on Victory, Steele is aware of the challenge that lays ahead of the side. Despite currently sitting last, the midfielder is not underestimating the home team.
“Melbourne Victory is a tough team, they have some really good players and unfortunately for them it isn’t quite clicking this year,” he said.
“We know how good they can be and down in Melbourne, they are always tough. It has been a fair while since the Mariners have won at AAMI Park, it’s been a few years. However, we go down there full of confidence after last weekend, ready for a battle against Victory like it always is.”
Currently sitting in third place on the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s competition ladder, it is more important than ever to keep the momentum going this weekend heading into the back end of the season.
The Mariners currently sit just three points from second place Adelaide United, while also being tied on 31 points with fifth place Wellington.
Steele knowing how vital three points are at the tail end of any season, especially in a campaign like this.
“The competition is the most congested that I have ever seen it. That top six spot, it is really up for grabs heading into the final weeks of the season,” he said.
“It is vital to keep that momentum which we have coming off last weekend, but as I said Victory is always tough down there at AAMI Park.”
With an extra weeks rest coming up due to the international break, the midfielder is keen to head into the week off on a positive note. Our next game at home also an important one, set to face off against Brisbane Roar.
“If we get the result, we’ll go into the international break next week and then come back home to face off against Brisbane Roar,” Steele said.
“That will be good to come back and play in front of the home crowd hopefully with momentum.”
