Mariners pre-season matches to begin in August with matches against NSW State League opposition
Matches against A-League rivals Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC will form a key part of the Mariners pre-season campaign, which also includes clashes with numerous semi-professional outfits.
Graham Arnold?s men will commence their run of pre-season dates on Tuesday 21 August against Spirit FC at Christie Park, North Ryde.
A friendly game against a Central Coast Football Select will follow just two days later at Pluim Park, Lisarow, giving local footballers the opportunity to show their ability against the reigning Hyundai A-League Premiers.
Arnold said the match against the Central Coast Football Select would give him the chance to assess the level of the regions’ best players.
?The local boys are always keen to perform at their best when they get the chance to play the Mariners so we will be expecting a tough hit-out against them.?
?It is not so long ago that the club unearthed Matty Simon from the local ranks, so we are keen to see the ability of the Coast?s best players and use the match to improve where we are at,? he said.
The annual Doug Turnbull Cup between the yellow and navy and Bankstown City ? played in memory of Central Coast Mariners Chairman, Mr Peter Turnbull?s late brother ? will be held on Wednesday 29 August in Sefton.
Central Coast will ramp-up their pre-season campaign with a minimum of six games in September, four of which will be played against Hyundai A-League opposition.
?September will be a key month for the team,? Arnold said. ?Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar will each provide a different test for us.?
?Results will not be a concern for us throughout the pre-season. You can?t win an A-League title in August or September, but it is possible to damage your chances to win one,” he concluded.
Central Coast Mariners Pre-Season Match Information
Tuesday 21 August vs. Spirit FC
Christie Park, Christie Road, North Ryde
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Thursday 23 August vs. Central Coast Football Select
Pluim Park, Tuggerah Street, Lisarow
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Wednesday 29 August vs. Bankstown City – ?Doug Turnbull Cup?
Jensen Park, Clapham Road, Sefton
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Tuesday 4 September vs. Rockdale City Suns
Ilinden Sports Centre, 468 West Botany Street, Rockdale
Kick-off: 7:30pm
*Thursday 6 September vs. Northern Tigers
Wednesday 12 September vs. Adelaide United
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Sunday 16 September vs. Melbourne Victory
Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Sunday 23 September vs. Brisbane Roar
Stockland Stadium, Kawana Waters, Sunshine Coast
Kick-off: 3:00pm
**Thursday 27 September vs. Sydney FC
Macquarie University
Kick-off: 2:00pm
* To be confirmed
** Match to be played behind closed doors
