Central Coast captain John Hutchinson has declared his side are “a better football team” than Newcastle ahead of Saturday’s F3 derby at Hunter Stadium.
Central Coast captain John Hutchinson has declared his side are simply “a better football team” than Newcastle ahead of Saturday’s F3 derby at Hunter Stadium.
The Mariners have made a solid start to the season with a victory and draw from their opening two fixtures, but the Jets are flying high after a pulsating 3-2 triumph over Sydney last week.
But Hutchison is supremely confident his side will be able to get the three points, provided they play up to their standards.
“It’s a good rivalry,” Hutchinson said.
“Hopefully we can go there and give our crowd something to cheer about. We know they (Newcastle) are going to be pumped up for the game and they’ve come off a great win against Sydney, but we just need to be up for it.
“It’s going to be a bit of a battle at the start. If we can win the battle and just play football we know we’re a better football team and we should get the points.
“We see our supporters love it, our members want to win the game as well, and it’s a massive game for them.
“As players of this wonderful football club, we know how important it is for them so we get fired up to win the game for them.”
But Mariners assistant coach Phil Moss poured cold water on the expected fiery clash, saying picking up the three points is all that matters for he and coach Graham Arnold.
“Without putting a dampener on the derby it means to me three points, that’s all that matters to me as a coach and I’m sure Arnie as well. For the supporters, it’s fantastic,” he said.
“There’s that extra-added spice in the crowd and that electricity in the atmosphere that you can feel.
“We have to keep a lid on things as a coaching staff and players and just go there and get the three points. For the supporters, we’re hoping to deliver bragging rights again for them.”
