Central Coast boss Mark Jackson believes his side’s achievements this season have been nothing short of phenomenal after they took a huge step towards the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.
On a dreary night in Sydney the reigning Champions, and newly minted Premiers, walked away from Allianz Stadium with a precious 2-1 win to give themselves a huge advantage heading into the Semi-Final second leg in Gosford on Saturday May 18.
Furthermore, Jackson’s side achieved the victory against the Sky Blues having recently returned from Oman where they defeated Lebanese side Al-Ahed FC 1-0 to lift the AFC Cup – a campaign which has seen them clock up close to 100,000-kilometres in travel this season.
“These players have been doing this for a while now,” reflected Jackson after his side’s impressive win over a nine-man Sydney FC side at Allianz Stadium.
“I keep telling myself I’m not going to get used to it, because it’s phenomenal what the players are doing from a physical point of view.
“Really, really pleased with that, really pleased with the performance and the courage shown on the pitch tonight.”
After going behind to a deflected Joel King strike the Mariners pulled themselves level through Josh Nisbet on the stroke of half time before a Mikael Doka penalty ensured the away side came out on a top, in a game which also saw Sydney’s Jack Rodwell and Corey Hollman sent off.
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“Listen, they’re a good team and they’ve beaten a lot of teams this year as well, they’ve got a great way of playing,” said Jackson when asked about the win over Ufuk Talay’s side.
“They’ve got a good manager, good coaching staff, they’re well drilled so we knew we were going to come up against it.”
The win for Jackson’s side not only leaves them in a strong position to reach the Grand Final but it will also give them a huge shot in the arm knowing they’ve finally been able to defeat Talay’s Sydney FC – a side they’d lost to twice this season.
“Everyone was talking about the two games, we’ve broken that now, but the next game is going to be even harder for us, because they’re going to bring it. That’s the type of team they are. We’ll be ready for that.”
Not that they need further incentive to qualify for a second-straight Grand Final but should the Mariners see off the Sky Blues in Gosford then Jackson’s side will be back at home for the biggest game of their season, following confirmation the club would host Australian football’s showpiece event at Industree Group Stadium should they qualify.
“I’m delighted the club have worked hard to get that fixture, but we’re not there yet,” said Jackson when discussing the decision to potentially host the Grand Final in Gosford.
“We’re not there, we’re far from it. People say it’s one game, but Sydney are a formidable team and a dangerous team. You know what people say: beware of the wounded animal.
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He added: “We’ve got to be prepared for what they’re going to bring. We’ll do our homework, we’ll prepare the players physically and we’ll be ready. But we expect a tough, tough battle.”
To make matters worse for Sydney FC they’ll now be without both experienced defender Jack Rodwell and young midfielder Corey Hollman for the second leg in Gosford after both men were sent off during the first leg defeat at Allianz Stadium.
With one foot now tentatively in the Grand Final the Mariners will be watching Sunday’s second Semi-Final with a keen eye as Melbourne Victory host Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
