It’s the second F3 derby of the season! As two-in form sides do battle, is it Mariners turn to be triumphant?
Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
Saturday 10th December, 5.30pm
It’s the second F3 derby of the season! As two-in form sides do battle, is it Mariners turn to be triumphant?
The F3 derby is always a special occasion, and this Saturday is set to be no different as these two excellent teams come together at Bluetongue Stadium.
With Mariners in second place on the ladder and Jets sitting just below them – and with both sides coming into the game on the back of fantastic victories – this match-up is sure to be an absolute belter.
It is certainly one of the most anticipated derby encounters between these clubs in recent years, so make sure you get yourself a ticket to be part of the drama, the excitement, the huge crowd and the intense atmosphere as two rivals go all out for the points.
As well as aiming to keep the pressure on Brisbane Roar, Mariners will have extra incentive to win this one, as they are looking to get their own back after falling to defeat in Newcastle earlier in the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season.
In Week 3, Jets gave interim coach Craig Deans a nice farewell with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Ausgrid Stadium. Kiwi international Jeremy Brockie scored the game’s only goal in the 25th minute after some sloppy Mariners’ defending and then the home side worked incredibly hard in the second-half to keep Mariners at bay as they pushed up the park in search of an equaliser.
However, that was the last time the Central Coast lost a match, and their season has since turned into something really special. Last week, they recorded their fifth win in six games. And what a way to do it!
A trip to Hindmarsh Stadium is rarely easy, but the Yellow and Navy simply brushed their opponents aside. The 4-0 win will certainly have Brisbane Roar looking nervously over their shoulders. This is a Mariners team that has title aspirations!
One of the scorers on Friday night deserves an especially rousing reception from the Yellow Army this weekend. Last week, Bernie Ibini was voted as the Hyundai A-League’s most outstanding U/21 player for the month of November following some excellent displays which showed his exciting attacking play and helped the side rocket up the table. He’ll be looking to continue that fine form against the Jets.
Central Coast will have to be at their best though, if they are to maintain their winning streak. Newcastle Jets are a strong team this season, as they proved last weekend when, in front of their biggest home crowd in four years, they came from behind to defeat Melbourne Victory 3-1.
After a cracker from Carlos Hernandez put them behind, Jets came back with a powerful display that saw them take a 2-1 lead by just after half-time, and then seal the match with a late Ryan Griffiths strike, his second of the evening.
The goals are sure to be flying in on Saturday! While Jets bagged three last weekend, Mariners have scored a remarkable ten in their last three games.
This derby is guaranteed to be a thriller, with two quality sides aiming for the top of the ladder there is set to be a sensational atmosphere at Bluetongue Stadium.
Both clubs are sure to be well represented in the stands, so make sure you are part of a massive crowd and an awesome occasion. As two bitter rivals go toe-to-toe, you’d be crazy to miss this one. Be there and out-sing your opponents!
