Mariners women have victory in sight for finals push

Following a flawless display in the 6-0 demolition of Adelaide United IN Round 7, the Mariners will need to focus as the fourth-placed victory aim to claw their way to within two-points of the Mariners women.
Central Coast defender Samantha Spackman has been in fine touch with her consistent displays, and the Mariners? youngster is well aware of the task at hand on Saturday.
?We have to be at our best, as we know Melbourne Victory are a very strong, very physical side,? commented Spackman.
?They are coming off an important result against Brisbane Roar (1-1 draw in Brisbane) where they scored late on, so they will certainly be a huge test for us.?
The Mariners women trail Brisbane Roar by one-point heading into this Round 8 encounter, yet still, no further motivation is required for Spackman & Co.
?We have had a great season, though we are a little disappointed to have lost against Brisbane Roar, regardless of how strong a side they are.
?Our aim is to finish the regular season as strong as possible, and then give it our all in the finals.?
The Mariners? form over the first seven rounds of the competition has illustrated the huge progress made by a very inexperienced side in W-League season 1, and although Spackman was not part of that group, Mariners? version 2 has moulded nicely for coach Stephen Roche.
?He (Stephen Roche) does have a tough job every week because all the girls are training hard, and pretty much anyone can go in and do the job for the team.
?Our morale and team spirit is so good, and it is a great feeling each and every training session and match,? added Spackman.
Spackman has vested the colours of the Young Matildas team, and although every player?s dream is to play for the Matildas, her short-term ambitions remain fixed on the Mariners.
?I would love the chance if it came to play for the Matildas, that is obvious, though my main goal at the moment is to focus on my game, continue to improve individually and as a team here at the Mariners.?
The Mariners? defender is confident her side has what it takes to challenge for the title.
?We most certainly do, though we need to keep the same intensity and self belief. We?ll focus on finishing the season firstly, then in the finals anything can happen, though we will be certainly aiming for a grand final win,? concluded Spackman.
The Central Coast Mariners host Melbourne Victory in Westfield W-League Round 8 action this weekend Leichhardt Oval. Kick-off is set for 5.45 pm.
Double dose of Westfield W-League for Mums and Daughters
Get together with your Mum and celebrate football with style at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon!
Our most talented women?s footballers will be strutting their stuff on the field in a huge double-header in front of some of the superstars of the game who have played for the Westfield Matildas.
To help your celebrate, we?re offering a special price for entry, just bring your Mum and get 2 for 1*
See Sydney FC Women v Perth Glory Women in the ABC Match of the Round followed be Central Coast Mariners Women v Melbourne Victory Women.
*Special offer $5 for mother and daughters who attend the match together.
-By Joseph Carlucci