Mariners could carry over FFA Cup momentum

The Central Coast Mariners haven’t exactly started the A-League in winning fashion, but instead of talking about conceding goals from set pieces or losing composure in front of goal, let’s talk about the FFA Cup.

Sure, they lost the Semi-Final 3-2 to fellow A-League outfit Adelaide United, but what a campaign they’ve had.

“We’re 90 minutes, or 120 minutes away, away from playing in a final for some silverware, so there’s huge motivation, we’re taking this extremely seriously, and I am taking a team down there to get a result against one of the form teams of the A-League,” Moss said before the game.

In honesty, it was a lacklustre first half which saw the boys give the game away, with the Reds scoring two goals in the latter end of the first half.

The spirit and unity that Moss talks about did emerge, in the second half, though, with the boys coming back to score two goals courtesy of Matt Simon and Josh Rose, which were assisted by Anthony Caceres and Mitchell Duke respectively.

It wasn’t to be, though, with Adelaide securing the win in the 88th minute with a goal from Sergio Cirio – his second for the night.

A positive result last night against Adelaide would have propelled the boys a step closer to some silverware and hopefully bolstered confidence where it’s lacking in their A-League games.

Coach Phil Moss said that the result wont hinder his team.

“We turned a massive corner in the second half and I think we will gain a lot of confidence heading into Sunday and our busy schedule of Hyundai A-League matches that we have coming up,” Moss said.

Indeed, the boys can be more than proud of the way they fought back against A-League powerhouse Adelaide United, who are sitting on equal second place along with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.

Despite this loss, the boys have celebrated monumental wins like the one against Palm Beach United, which saw the Mariners take home five goals to none.

Their campaign was a strong one, scoring nine goals and conceding only one in all their games leading up to the Semi-Final test.

The Mariners will face Melbourne City away this Sunday and wont let any shaky results get to them.

"The second half performance is proof that the character, unity & culture of our dressing room is absolutely in tact so those questioning it are way off the mark," Moss concluded.

Another disappointing result, maybe, but Moss’ vision of a fluid team closer and closer to realisation each week.

Don’t write them off just yet; there is plenty of time for a comeback.