After seven weeks on the road Graham Arnold is desperate for his homesick Central Coast Mariners to make a winning return to Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Sunday.
For the first time since October 2, the Mariners will play in front of their home fans when Gold Coast United make the trek to Gosford for a crucial Hyundai A-League clash.
It is a match the third-placed Mariners would love to win after some outstanding performances away from Bluetongue Stadium, including big wins against Perth in Sydney and Wellington in New Zealand.
From their past four matches, the Mariners boast three wins and a come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory on Thursday night.
“What we need now is to turn Bluetongue Stadium into a fortress,” Arnold said.
“Hopefully it all starts with a big crowd on Sunday. The boys can’t wait to come home, it’s been a tough run.”
“To get the results we have away from home has been fantastic, it’s been a great effort by everyone.”
“Now the job is to keep it going at home.”
While their defence has been strong all year the Mariners are starting to hit their straps in attack.
The club has scored 11 goals in its past four matches.
Meanwhile, Central Coast chief executive John McKay is confident the new surface at Bluetongue Stadium will eventually be one of the best in the competition.
The stadium was resurfaced for the first time after the Mariners beat North Queensland on October 2.
“It’s good now and it’ll keep getting better,” McKay said.
“I think it’ll be at its best by Christmas.”
