On Monday when Sydney FC lines up against the Central Coast Mariners at the SFS the Sky Blues determined to take the points and celebrate their 100th Hyundai A-League match in style!
On Monday when Sydney FC lines up against the Central Coast Mariners at the SFS there-s no doubt it will be a big match for both sides as they seek to cement their place at the pointy end of the table. There will be even more of an edge than usual to this local derby contest, however, with the Sky Blues desperate to win and celebrate their 100th Hyundai A-League outing in style.
“It-s a special game for us” said Sydney captain Steve Corica. “We played them in the grand final in the first year. Pretty much from then on we have had a great rivalry with them so it-s nice to be playing them in our hundredth game.”
Unlucky not to take any points from last weeks- game against Brisbane Roar, Corica stressed how important it is for Sydney FC to get a result this week.
“(With) how tight the League is at the moment, it-s definitely a must win,” he explained. “We are at home (and) we need to pick up three points. Obviously, there-re a lot of teams around us (on the ladder) and we need to start winning from now on.”
Coach Vitezslav Lavicka also emphasized the importance of beating the Central Coast, with just one point separating the sides on the competition table.
“We have respect for the Mariners (but) we are going to be successful and bring our fans and spectators good entertainment,” he said. “We are going to play on the top and we have good chance, good opportunities to confirm (this) on Monday.”
There have been 23 goals scored in the last five clashes between Sydney and the Central Coast, and despite a scoreless encounter in round-three Corica expects the spree to continue on Monday.
“In the past we have had fantastic games against the Central Coast (with) a lot of goals. It didn-t show in the first game this season but obviously it-s very tight and I think it-s shown in the League this season.”
Despite having not claimed all three points against the Mariners since round-two last season, Sydney FC holds a slight advantage in the head-to-head battle with the Mariners and the Sky Blues- skipper is confident the crowd at the Sydney Football Stadium is in for an entertaining encounter come Monday.
“It-s a public holiday and we are hopefully expecting a very big crowd,” he said. “It-s always a big help for the boys to have a big crowd there, obviously the Cove are doing a great job. It-s good for everyone else to come out and support Sydney.”
Sydney FC-s historic round-9 clash with the Mariners is set for a 3pm kick-off at the SFS, following the Westfield W-League curtain-raiser between the same two teams.
Help Sydney FC celebrate its Century – CLICK HERE now and pre-purchase your tickets for the Holiday Monday double-header!
CLICK HERE for important transport information relating to Monday’s match.
