FOOTBALL –
With the A-League reaching the business end of the 2020/21 season, the Central Coast Mariners are poised delicately within the top of the table mix, and in need of good results to stay in reach of first place.
With City posting an historic 7 – 0 win over Victory in Melbourne derby match #34, they have found a firm nestle ahead on the League table, sitting with both a point and game in hand over second place Mariners.
After facing disappointment in Launceston, the Central Coast side return to the Coast for this Saturday’s match against Sydney FC on April 24, followed by another home match against Brisbane Roar on the following Wednesday, April 28.
This will be followed by three remaining away games to end the league season, against Victory, Roar, and finally the Newcastle Jets.
In the meantime, fourth placed Sydney FC will come to the Coast only three points behind their northern rivals, and with an even record of +7 goal difference for both teams.
An away win will launch the travellers ahead on the table.
Seventh placed Brisbane Roar have two games in hand on the Mariners and two opportunities to take points off them.
Doing so will bring them within one point of their yellow opposition.
The Mariners do not yet have a secure spot in the finals series that is scheduled to be played throughout June, although they are also still in a position to finish first.
The top six teams will have a shot at the title and the top two advance straight to the semi-finals.
With this in mind, the Mariners now have everything to play for, as well as everything to lose.
Haakon Barry