Goalkeeper Paul Izzo says belief is growing amongst the Central Coast Mariners they can make the Hyundai A-League Finals Series after Sunday’s win over Adelaide in Canberra.
The Mariners won back-to-back games for the first time in almost three years as goals to Fabio Ferreira and Kwabena Appiah saw them beat the Reds 2-1.
Mariners too strong for Adelaide in Canberra
Seemingly out of top six contention just a fortnight ago, the Mariners are now just five points behind sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers, who they face in a massive clash next Sunday.
“It’s a massive [result], Izzo told Fox Sports.
“We’ve been unlucky for so long.
“We knew we were playing great, we needed to get results like we’re now doing and hopefully we can make a late push [for the finals].”
The Mariners finished last season with just three wins and on just 13 points to claim the wooden spoon.
After 18 rounds of the 2016/17 Season, they now have four wins to their name and 16 competition points.
“We know we’re progressing and it was only a matter of time before we started turning heads and people started taking notice.
“We’re proud of today,” Izzo said.
The young gloveman was excellent for the Mariners, making a couple of important saves to keep the Reds out while the match was still in the balance.
His excellent display was even more impressive considering he copped a Sergio Cirio shot directly in the face in the second half.
“It hurt a lot,” Izzo said of the knock.
“I was a bit dazed for a bit and trying to figure where I was and figure out the score for a second. But I was fine, I got through it.”
