TOMORROW night marks yet another chapter in the growing rivalry between the Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar at Bluetongue Stadium.

In what is rapidly growing into a consistent top-of-the-table clash, both clubs have been the most consistent in the A-League over the past two seasons with Top Three positions held down during that time.

Roar will arrive in town desperate to avenge both a loss to us at Suncorp Stadium last time we met and also a shock loss to Newcastle Jets at the same venue last weekend – a result that saw Wellington jump them into second spot on the ladder.

For our part, we will be fresh going into the match after last weekend’s match against Gold Coast at Skilled Park was washed out. It has given coach Graham Arnold the opportunity to freshen the squad up and the boys have looked much better for it on the training pitch this week.

It is now that the work we have done on increasing our depth within the squad will be put to the test with the Olyroos boys – Ollie Bozanic, Matty Ryan and Musafa Amini – absent and John Hutchinson suspended following the postponement of last week’s game (where he was supposed to serve it).

The likes of Adriano Pellegrino, Justin Pasfield, Adam Kwasnik, Brad Porter, Stuart Musialik, Troy Hearfield, Trent Sainsbury, Brad McDonald, Sammy Gallagher and Tommy Rogic will all be in contention for either starting berths or spots on the bench having had to bide their time so far this season through either the form of the players in the side or niggling injuries.

Our respective positions on the ladder is a role reversal of last season when the all-conquering Roar where in the midst of their record-breaking 36-game unbeaten streak.

This time it’s us who take a decided advantage into the game with an 11-point break on Ange Postecoglou’s side – but it’s a lead that no one in a Mariners shirt is taking for granted.

Consistency and ruthlessness have been two key words enforced at the Mariners this season and so far we can’t fault the players in the way they have implemented both.
We are now heading into the home straight and we need you – the fans – more than ever to join the ride and lead the way.

We need Bluetongue Stadium to be rocking with yellow and navy and its nothing less than the players deserve for what they have produced so far this season (and last).

Kick-off tomorrow night is 5.30pm.

Central Coast Mariners Assistant Coach, Phil Moss, writes his column weekly for the Central Coast Express Advocate. CLICK HERE for all the latest football news from the Express Advocate's team of local journalists.