They might be facing a monumental task, but there is huge belief among the players and coaching staff of the Central Coast Mariners heading into Sunday’s major semi-final second leg against Brisbane Roar at Bluetongue Stadium.
They might be facing a monumental task, but there is huge belief among the players and coaching staff of the Central Coast Mariners heading into Sunday’s major semi-final second leg against Brisbane Roar at Bluetongue Stadium.
A 2-0 win in the first leg at Suncorp Stadium last week has put Brisbane in the box seat to host the Hyundai A-League grand final for the second time in successive seasons.
The Mariners gave up a 2-0 extra-time lead to lose the Grand Final on penalties last term, and they will be hell-bent on earning redemption when the teams clash in Gosford on Sunday.
They acknowledge it will be a tough challenge to overcome the two-goal deficit, but the club has first-hand experience of achieving such a feat.
In 2007/08 Central Coast sensationally overcome a two-goal first-leg deficit to beat Newcastle 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
“I’ve had enough experience to tell me that 2-0 scores are very dangerous,” Mariners coach Graham Arnold said.
“We’re positive we can turn it around at Bluetongue Stadium.”
While the Mariners need to score, opting for all-out attack could prove fatal.
If Brisbane score an early goal the contest will be as good as over, and the Mariners will then face a sudden-death match next week if they are to qualify for a fourth grand final.
Much of Central Coast’s success this season has been based on a strong defensive structure, but they will need to make the most of every opportunity up front to overturn the deficit and book a Grand Final berth.
Central Coast’s preparation has at least been less complicated than Brisbane.
The Mariners had a 1-1 Asian Champions League draw with Seongnam Ilhwa at their Gosford home on Tuesday, while the Roar have had to travel to South Korea and back.
Arnold is hoping for the biggest home crowd of the season to cheer the Mariners on, and see the team presented with the Premier’s Plate.
