Central Coast defender Harry Ascroft has described the feeling of scoring during his first start under Paul Okon and the reaction to his goal celebration which has been seen around the world.
In front of a passionate 5296 supporters the Mariners downed Perth Glory 2-0 in Gosford on Thursday to move into the Hyundai A-League’s top six for the first time this season.
Ascroft scored the opener when he was quickest to react to a deflection from a corner and singled out the home support as a major driving force behind the win.
“The support on Thursday night was amazing,” Ascroft said. “It definitely got us across the line so we really hope they come out in numbers against the Wanderers this weekend and get a big turn out.”
The clash also marked the defender’s first start of the Hyundai A-League season, with his goal taking his overall tally for the club to four from 23rd appearances.
The 21-year-old was delighted to be back in Okon’s starting XI and spoke about the great relationship he has with fellow centre back and roommate Jake McGing.
“It was a great night,” Ascroft said. “Good return, a good 90 minutes personally and as a team we kept a clean sheet so to take three points was fantastic.
“McGing and I know each other very well because we live together so we’ve got a natural partnership and of course we played a lot together last season so we’re growing with experience,” Ascroft said.
Ascroft found the back of the net in the 30th minute and what followed was a moment of madness that went viral thanks to the pair’s goal celebration.
“Any publicity is good publicity and to see the celebration go viral is pretty funny especially because he’s my roommate so it’s great to have a laugh about,” Ascroft said.
“Every game we’ve played we’ve dominated possession and that’s the way Paul wants us to play,” Ascroft said. We always have numerous entries into the box so it’s been working very well.
“We’ll be looking to continue on from last week, come away with a clean sheet and take the three points again.
“Nick Montgomery is absolutely fantastic, he leads from the front, he’s an absolute workhorse that doesn’t stop running and a pleasure to play with.
“Our passing game has been on point, we like to dominate possession and get the ball in the box which is clicking but there is still work to be done,” Ascroft said.
This Saturday now makes for a tantalising clash between the Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers who sit sixth and seventh respectively.
“The Wanderers are a very good team and have a lot of good players such as Jumpei Kusukami and Nicolás Martínez so they’ll be very dangerous with the ball but the results haven’t gone their way and they will be looking to change that this weekend,” Ascroft said.
Match Details
Hyundai A-League 2016/17 – Round 9
Saturday 3 December 2016
Central Coast Mariners vs. Western Sydney Wanderers
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
kick-off: 5:35pm (AEDT)
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Official hash-tags: #CCMvWSW & #CCMFC
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 505
Radio Broadcast: 96.3 Coast FM
