AS bizarre as it sounds we headed back from Melbourne last Saturday more jovial after a loss than we had a couple of weeks earlier after a win!
The night before had seen us lose 2-1 to Melbourne Victory whereas the previous visit to Melbourne had yielded a 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart.
So why be happier after a loss? Simply because of our performance.
The Heart game saw striker Adam Kwasnik knick an 89th minute winner for us after goalkeeper Maty Ryan had a blinder between the sticks to continually repel a Heart side who were the better of the two on the night.
But this time around at AAMI Park, we were great value for at least a point, if not all three – and that includes playing the last 30 minutes a man down after Trent Sainsbury’s controversial red card.
For us, it was a return to form and we continue to press home the point that if we get the process right and our performances are good everything else will look after itself.
The arrival last week of striker John Sutton from Scotland has given the place an air of freshness and he is certain to play a key role in tomorrow night’s top of the table clash with Wellington Phoenix at Bluetongue Stadium.
The burly marksman is an expert at holding the ball up and bringing other players into the game and knows where to be and when in the goal-scoring department. It gives Graham Arnold another set of legs for our busy end of season schedule and plenty of experience to call upon.
Barring the three Olyroos boys who are away – Ollie Bozanic, Maty Ryan and Musti Amini – and the suspended Trent Sainsbury and Sam Gallagher we have a full squad to select from with Pedj Bojic and Troy Hearfield back in the fold after a week out with injury.
It augurs well for a match against a Wellington side that has found form in the second half of the season. They will be looking to rebound after last weekend’s loss to Brisbane at home but I can tell you our boys, while delighted with their showing against Melbourne Victory last start, are desperate to get back to winning ways.
On that note, training this week has intensified with regard getting the smaller details right. The players have worked harder, Arnie and his staff have worked harder. Getting back on the three-point horse is a challenge we are relishing! Kick-off tomorrow 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.