This Sunday’s National Youth League decider between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory will be played at Bluetongue Stadium
Central Coast Mariners defender Hayden Morton says the junior yellow and navy are confident ahead of this Sunday-s National Youth League Decider against Melbourne Victory at Gosford-s Bluetongue Stadium.
The match was originally scheduled to take place ahead of the Round 22 Hyundai A-League clash between the same two clubs last Saturday evening, however was postponed due to inclement weather.
“Everyone is confident, we-re prepared and it should be a good game,” Morton said. “It was disappointing not to play last week but hopefully the rain stays away and we can get the game underway and I hope we get the win. I-m very excited.”
John McLafferty-s boys must win the Round 18 encounter to claim back-to-back NYL titles, while the visitors can afford to draw with the junior Mariners to secure the Champions- trophy courtesy of their superior goal difference.
The Qantas Young Socceroo says the hosts will be looking for redemption after suffering a heavy 8-1 defeat against Melbourne Victory Youth when the sides last met in Round 12.
“They were a quality team that day and we weren-t at our best but we are ready for revenge, everyone is still pretty filthy about that game, he said”.
“It would be great to put it behind us and get the win this time.”
The youngster says his side have prepared well for the top-of-the-table clash with Darren Davies- men.
“There are no injuries, so there is a full squad to pick from,” he said.
“It-s a one-off match, like a Grand Final and anything can happen. Everybody is looking forward to it, hopefully we can play our best football and get the result.”
Morton, who was rewarded with a two-year Hyundai A-League contract last month, says he is pleased with his efforts this campaign.
“We-ve had a great season as a team, obviously finishing equal first. Personally, I have been pretty happy with how I have played and I am happy to have also signed my first senior contract, so I am pleased with how things have gone.”
Winning the NYL title would be the perfect belated birthday present for Morton. The youngster celebrates his 20th birthday on Saturday.
Central Coast Mariners Youth vs. Melbourne Victory Youth – NYL Decider
Sunday 3 March, 2013
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Admission: FREE
Twitter: Join the match conversation on Twitter. The official match hash-tag is #NYLDecider
