Central Coast Mariners striker Andrew Hoole described Friday night’s result as “massive” after his team’s “do-or-die” 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix.
The Mariners snapped an 11-game winless streak to move into eighth on the ladder after they deservedly accounted for a lacklustre Phoenix outfit, who remain bottom of the ladder.
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“It was pretty much do-or-die for us,” Hoole told Fox Sports after the game.
“To get three points is massive. It’s about finding a way to win.
“It’s a massive three points, we’re really happy.”
Hoole was one of the key architects of the win. The pacy forward was an outlet all night and continued his fine form from last week’s 2-2 draw with Adelaide.
At Central Coast Stadium, it was his deft cross that found Danny De Silva for the game’s decisive goal in the shadows of half time.
But Hoole conceded the mental strain of the past 11 games had taken a toll of sorts.
“When you’re not winning games it’s hard to find that winning mentality.
“But we push on now, our main focus now is three points next week against Perth away.
“A few games to go now so hopefully, we can push on,” he said.
Here are the @HarveyNormanAU stats from full time on the Central Coast. #CCMvWEL #ALeague pic.twitter.com/v8yJzICKBG
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 23, 2018
The hero for the Mariners, Danny De Silva, praised Hoole for the curling cross that he turned in for the winner.
“Runs from deep, it’s hard to defend. And I know Hooley’s got it in his locker to whip in a nice ball in and it was a quality ball.
“I was happy just to stretch and get a toe on it and get the goal.”
The Mariners next face Perth Glory on Saturday, March 10 in the WA capital.
