Saturday night’s home showdown against a rejuvenated Sydney FC cannot come quickly enough for Central Coast as the Mariners look to regain some lost momentum.
After an outstanding start to the season the Mariners suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Brisbane last Sunday after conceding a 3-2 loss to Gold Coast United at home the previous weekend.
The loss to Brisbane, however, was a confidence-shattering performance from the Mariners in front of their own fans as it equalled the club’s worst defeat in its history.
Coach Graham Arnold and his team are desperate to return to winning ways when Sydney visit Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Saturday night.
It is shaping as a tough task for the Mariners, with Sydney slowly returning to the form which took them to last year’s title. Sydney will come to Gosford in a confident mood after Wednesday night’s clinical 3-1 victory against Wellington.
One player likely to get more game time against Sydney will be in-form Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik.
Kwasnik has netted four goals in his past seven games. All of the goals have come as a second half replacement, including the Mariners only goal against Brisbane on Sunday.
While the attacking star is happy to be playing a part in the club’s campaign, he said he would love to start more games.
“Any player is the same, it’s nice to be on the field from the start,” he said.
“But that’s up to the coach, I’d love to start but if I don’t it’s up to me to make a difference when I come on.”
Kwasnik is a big chance to start with Daniel McBreen suspended for Sunday’s match and regular front man Matt Simon also under an injury cloud.
