The first scheduled game of the A-league season, the F3 Derby between the Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets was inundated by rain on Saturday evening and eventually cancelled.
8,000-odd fans had gathered to watch the first match of the season at Central Coast Stadium, most crammed into the upper eastern undercover stands.
In a message to fans, Central Coast Mariners’ management wrote;
‘Unfortunately, our game against the Newcastle Jets has been postponed due to the rain. Further updates on ticketing and rescheduling will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
The F3 Derby has become one of the hard fought feature fixtures of local professional football and always results in a passionate game as both sides vie for local supremacy.
This F3 Derby will be rescheduled and ticket holders will be credited for the up coming game, yet to be announced.
While match and stadium officials were assessing the grounds and the capacity of the new drainage system an important local football hero was celebrated.
A major tribute was performed in the torrential conditions for retiring Mariners veteran player Matt Simon on the night.
Simon who has been a pivotal player for the club for 15 years, playing as an imposing striker and all round tough guy on the field.
Simon arrived at the club as a product of East Gosford Rams juniors in the local competition. Because of his humble beginings many regularly wrote him off as a club player, though Simon continued to score many goals and improve as a player during his long football career.
Simon’s accolades include three premierships, one championship, an FFA Cup and the title of all-time leading scorer for the Mariners.
David Abrahams