Exciting winger Kwabena Appiah says Central Coast Mariners will fight to the end despite a home loss to Melbourne City plunged a dagger into their finals hopes.
In a hugely entertaining contest in Gosford, City took a 2-0 lead but were pegged back to 2-2 by a determined Mariners before the visitors sealed the points after keeper Paul Izzo was red-carded for the hosts.
It was fabulous entertainment but the loss sees the Mariners sitting in ninth, five points off sixth spot with 15 points left to play with three other clubs jostling for sixth.
City claim controversial clash against Central Coast
It’s a long shot but the 24-year-old winger isn’t giving up on trying to make the six with the Yellow Army.
“It’s hard to take this loss but there’s still five games to go, five games to get three points in every single game.
“We still own that top six spot,” the former Wanderers attacker told ABC radio.
The Mariners run-in includes premiers in waiting Sydney FC this Friday night.
This is followed by a home game against Adelaide 15 days later after the split round.
Paul Okon’s men end their run-in against Roar (away), Jets (home) and Victory away.
It’s not the easiest of run-in but the New Zealand born striker is taking a positive approach to what looks like Mission Impossible.
Appiah-Kubi added the Mariners possession-based, play-out from-the-back style under Okon will not change over the next five weeks as they chase the dream of finals football.
“That’s our playing style. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” said the winger who was lively against City along with Connor Pain on the other wing.
“We’ve got to keep our playing style, otherwise if we don’t believe in what we’re doing then there’s no reason to be on the park.
“It’s a fantastic playing style. I love it and the boys love it. And we’re going to keep doing it,” he said.
