Moss rues sloppy defensive showing

Central Coast Mariners boss Phil Moss said he was disappointed with his side’s defensive display in their 2-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix in Gosford on Saturday afternoon.

The Mariners were gifted the lead in the 12th minute after an own goal from Phoenix defender Tom Doyle but goals either side of half time to Michael McGlinchey and Nathan Burns saw the Phoenix grab the three points. 

‘’We gifted them two goals and at this level you can’t do that,” Moss said. 

“We pride ourselves on this being a fortress here at Central Coast Stadium, that’s where we let ourselves down.

‘’What you’ve got to look at is the chances we created and we certainly had a fair few of them. Tonight the chances didn’t go in.”

Despite the result, Moss admitted he was pleased with the performance of some of his younger brigade including Anthony Caceres, Glen Trifiro and debutant Jacob Poscoliero. 

‘’Happy with the impact our subs made today,  they’re quality footballers and are unlucky not to be in the starting 11,” he said. 

 “They came on and did very well and they gave us some momentum.

‘’We’ve got a fantastic squad and l thought that Jacob had a very solid game for his debut today and l thought he did well.”

The Mariners have next weekend off with Western Sydney Wanderers involved in the ACL final and Moss admitted it would give his troops an opportunity to work on their finishing.  

‘It gives us a chance to take stock and focus at training on a few things we need to improve on and certainly final third is one of them,” he said.  

“We need to prepare now for the trip to Sydney and the tough test of Sydney FC.”