As a general rule we tend to shy away from making excuses for performances and attempt where possible to remain objective.
As a general rule we tend to shy away from making excuses for performances and attempt where possible to remain objective.
However, last week-s trip to Perth was anything but normal and it would challenge the strongest mind to not at least consider the following.
It started with our flight being detoured en route to Perth to Adelaide due to smoke being detected in the cargo hold of the plane. As you can imagine given the present climate surrounding airlines this was a little unnerving for several passengers on board.
Fortunately we were able to land in Adelaide and after a four-hour wait we continued our journey and made it to Perth 12 hours later than anticipated.
This meant we had to cancel out pre-game training session in Perth due to the late arrival.
Compound this with the time delay in Perth also which is always a factor and you have a pretty unique set of circumstances.
On game day we came up against a Glory outfit keen to send their retiring captain Jacob Burns out a winner. Moreover, we had the off circumstances of playing a critical match late in the season with a debutant referee in charge.
For the record I do honestly believe that the job of the referee is a very difficult one. I know this from experience having been a referee for our Thursday morning training games with our boys.
However I also fail to understand why Football Federation Australia would schedule a debut for a referee at such a crucial stage of the season.
The end result in Perth was 3-1 and we did not play well. But when there are two soft penalties awarded within the first 20 minutes, a clear off-side goal given and a clear on-side goal disallowed, you do begin to wonder if it was the appropriate stage to introduce a new referee to the competition.
For our final regular season round we will be on the road against the Premiers, Brisbane Roar.
In true Mariners fashion we will not be expected to win as the underdogs, but we know that if we do we are guaranteed third spot and a home semi-final. That-s what we want for ourselves and our fans.
Sully
Brisbane Roar FC vs. Central Coast Mariners FC – Hyundai A-League Round 27
Saturday 12 April 2014
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEST)
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter using #BRIvCCM
Tickets: www.Ticketek.com.au
TV: Watch live on SPEED TV (Fox Sports)
Radio: Listen live on ABC Grandstand & Coast FM
