Super-sub Bernie Ibini says he’ll continue to fulfil any role coach Phil Moss needs as Central Coast continue their push for a top two finish in the Hyundai A-League.
Super-sub Bernie Ibini says he’ll continue to fulfil any role coach Phil Moss needs as Central Coast continue their push for a top two finish in the Hyundai A-League.
Ibini proved the hero against Western Sydney on Saturday night, scoring in the 90th minute to hand the Mariners a vital 2-1 win at Bluetongue Stadium.
It was the second consecutive week the 21-year-old striker had come off the bench to grab the winner, which has moved the Mariners into second spot on the ladder with two games to go.
Ibini is the Mariners’ leading goal-scorer this season with five goals from just 12 appearances and it says a lot about the club’s depth that many of those games have been as a substitute.
“Whatever the team needs me to do I’m happy to do,” Ibini told www.footballaustralia.com.au.
“Of course everyone likes to be starting but if it means I have to be coming off the bench then that’s alright with me as well.
“When I’m coming on (off the bench) the defence is normally a bit tired so I can use my pace a bit more.
“But whatever the coaching staff needs me to do, whether I’m starting or coming off the bench I’m happy to do. As long as the team’s winning and playing well.”
And the Mariners have certainly done that in recent weeks, winning their last three A-League games to be hitting their straps at just the right time.
Given the amount of change and upheaval at the club this campaign, Ibini says it’s been an impressive effort for the Mariners to be in second spot and fighting hard to defend their title.
He believes the side thrive on proving the doubters wrong and believes Moss and the senior playing group deserve much of the credit for the team’s success.
“The core group at our club has always been very strong,” Ibini said.
“The boys that have been there since day one like (John) Hutchinson, Matt Simon even older guys like (Mile) Sterjovski and (Nick) Montgomery.
“We’ve got a great core group that carries the boys along and always leads us well.
“We don’t mind that people keep writing us off and we don’t mind flying under the radar. We’ll just keep picking up points and do the business.”
Asked about the victory over the Wanderers, Ibini said: “It was a very important win for us, we all knew it was a very important game and I think the boys played very well and we’re happy we got the result.
“We always have tough game with the Wanderers. But our drive and consistency to keep on playing got us over the line.
“Being at home as well, having our fans backing us the whole way I think helped a lot as well. To beat them at the end of the season, when they are a very strong team it definitely gives us a lot of confidence (for the finals).”
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