Central Coast Mariners centre defender Nectar Triantis is excited for a massive clash against Melbourne City this afternoon, hoping for a big crowd at Our Paradise.
The 19-year-old with his eyes firmly focused on securing the three points, remembering well our tight loss to today’s opponent earlier in the season.
“It is going to be a massive game for us. When we went to their ground earlier in the season it was a tough result, coming off a 1-0 loss. For me personally, it is about payback and trying to get ourselves back in the ranks, fighting for second place to end the season,” Triantis said.
“It was my first time playing against Melbourne City, a team that for a while have been the standard of the league. I started in the midfield for that game as well, it was a big match for me. This time around, it could be a different result.”
After a few months with players out due to injury and suspensions, the Mariners are back to full strength.
Triantis believes that this is bringing out the best in the group, as everyone looks to secure places heading into the final rounds.
“The boys are back, the boys are fit, no more suspensions, no more injuries. Everyone is fighting for places. In training we can see that it is tough to get a starting spot these days,” he said.
“That has pushed us, last weekend securing a clean sheet which was great, hopefully we can do that again.”
The defender is looking at the match as an important step towards the team’s goals over the final five matches of the season, confident that the Mariners can get the job done.
“We have set ourselves a target for the next five games. We have started that well, grabbing two wins from two for these last five,” he said.
“It is always going to be tough versing Melbourne City sitting in first place. However, we know that we are up for it. We’ve been preparing all week for them and playing at home we can beat anybody.”
Triantis is certainly not overlooking what will be a tough Melbourne City side aiming to secure the premiership, however the Young Socceroo is confident in the ability of our side.
“It doesn’t matter who they put out on the park; you have got to always be ready. You can’t ever overlook players, undermine their team or their ability. The last couple of seasons they have been that standard for the league,” he said.
“It is the last game here for the regular season. I think it would be the perfect way to cap it off by getting a good, hard earned three points.”
