Pre-season 2013

[Lowlander]

Did anyone go to Tamworth to see the game against Roar? If so, I would like to hear your perspective, is the team ready for next season?

 

[sydmariner]

Did anyone go to Tamworth to see the game against Roar? If so, I would like to hear your perspective, is the team ready for next season?

We have 't played in tamworth yet we played in BathurstBathurst

 

[12th player]

You mean Bathurst. At Tamworth we'll be playing the scum on the 29th. I was at Bathurst and the main difference between both teams was the pre season.While the mariners have only played 4 games the roar has played 9 games. That was reflected on the pitch. While the roar looked sharpe and well structured, we were the opposite. We struggled to get the ball and when we did get it, we couln't keep possesion. They opened up the score due to a defensive error. Trent ( playing out of position) was to slow to read the run by Steffanutto down the left flank, the ball was crossed into the box and our static defense watched as the roar player kicked it low to Pasfiled's left corner. We had a wonderful opportunity to level the score against the run of play but incredibly Mile missed a one on one v the roar keeper. In the second half a lot of changes were made by both sides but not much changed.Roar were still in control and we were doing all the chasing. 2-0 down we scored ( Matty) but we didn't look as if we were going to score a 2nd. There still time left for Arnie to sort things out and I'm sure that after the trip to Indonesia the team will be ready for the HAL season. In saying that, I can't deny my concern with our defence. In the 4 pre season games we've conceded childish goals due to defensive errors. IMO, Zac has to improve a lot if he wants to be part of the starting 11. In all 4 games, his mistakes have led to the opposition either scoring or coming close to it. Against the roar on Saturday he passed it to short and it if it wasn't for the keeper's quick reaction they should have scored. If Zac doesn't improve Trent and Neip should be our CBs. Pasfield hasn't impressed me either. In the mid field we are lacking a ball player. Caceres should play instead of either Hutch or Monty. Their ball distribution is shocking and this is why we loose possesion so quick.By the way, young Anthony has been the standout player in the pre season matches so far. Like I said previously, Arnie is a clever coach and I'm sure that he's going to make the right decisions.

 

[McGrime]

Ha Ha Ha,
Sometimes the reporting on these games are somewhat farsical.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/news/1166677/Mariners-left-Brown-and-out-by-Roar

Not a word regarding Rosie & Duke missing from our side or our midweek game.
Or the fact that there were only 4 guys on the field from last years GF side.
Once again the media focus on the big city sides while we slowly & surely build towards another big year.

 

[Lowlander]

Thanks for the wrap up on that game, it's going to be a very interesting season. Let' hope we can stay competitive at least. I don't mind a season where we have to rebuild. I think it is to be expected after winning the GF and loosing most of the starting 11

 

[localpom]

It's only pre-season. Every club is at different stages and it is all about peaking at the right time. The roar will be good this year though i think. So will we of course!

 

[BaysideMariner]

I am going to the Tamworth game

 

[Forum Phoenix]

I didn't take too much from the game. Pretty dull affair as a CCM fan. As per 12th's posts. In essence we just basically looked under done. Speed of thought and movement wasn't good enough against a fitter roar side playing their high tempo pressing game, which even after Ange left, has remained the best in the league.

Defence was messy it's true, but too be fair, far too often they had no clear passing options but knew they weren't supposed to just sky it long.
A lot more work off the ball required form those in front of the defence. Or tactically errors are only a matter of time unless you knock it long.

Mile was ok, but we clearly miss Duke and or Danny I think. Danny is not quite as physical, but he's simply a better all round striker than Matty S. He makes better runs and brings other players in better. I think Flores will appreciate having better runs i front of him a lot, and Duke also. In terms of simply winning the game, from what I saw, we would have been better off with two strikers and playing much more direct. But it's not about winning in pre season games, and clearly playing direct is not Arnie's game plan. And I'm cool with that. I'm sure he'll get us there again.

 

[Muppet]

I cannot say that Pasfield has filled me with confidence for the coming season. I have this gnawing feeling that Reddy will end up between the sticks before too long. After the jubilation of last season and the retirement/transfer of such a large number of players it will be a tough ask to match the feats of last year. I hope I am wrong.

 

[localpom]

I cannot say that Pasfield has filled me with confidence for the coming season. I have this gnawing feeling that Reddy will end up between the sticks before too long. After the jubilation of last season and the retirement/transfer of such a large number of players it will be a tough ask to match the feats of last year. I hope I am wrong.

We will be fine. The squad is full of quality players and i don't see us any weaker than last year. Forwards and midfield is as good as any in the comp....defensively i think we are strong too. The only positions we are weaker is keeper and maybe right back though both JP,Reddy and Storm or Trent are capable of doing a good job. Bring it on!

 

[shipwreck]

This forum sucks for mariners info now, no goss on the Adelaide game

 

[FFC Mariner]

This forum sucks for mariners info now, no goss on the Adelaide game

No one went as far as I know, not even any club staff

 

[rbakersmith]

There was at least one Mariners fan there:

https://twitter.com/robs2107/status/378046642001158144/photo/1

 

[localpom]

1-0 to us apparently, Wee Mac. No idea on the side apart from Wee Mac,Fitzy and JP.

 

[Atomic]

Last night's starting XI
https://twitter.com/CCMariners/status/378033003043106816/photo/1

 

[Gratis]

from ABC:
Central Coast Mariners edge Adelaide
United 1-0 in preseason friendly
UPDATED 12 HR 13 MIN AGO
Central Coast Mariners edged Adelaide United 1-0 on
Thursday afternoon in their second preseason friendly
against an A-League opponent.
After being defeated 2-1 by Brisbane Roar in Bathurst
on Saturday, Graham Arnold's charges flew to Adelaide
eager for another tough hitout against a top-flight rival.
The Mariners were offered a stern test against Josep
Gombau's men. Central Coast and Adelaide went to
halftime at 0-0 following an opening term with few
chances.
Nick Fitzgerald and Michael McGlinchey looked
threatening in attack for the away team, while Jon
McKain forced a sharp save from Mariners' custodian
Justin Pasfield 37 minutes in.
Both sides made numerous changes to their personnel
at the break, but it was new father McGlinchey who
made the key play in the 58th minute. After a darting
run, his shot rebounded off a Reds' defender and into
Eugene Galekovic's goal.
Former Melbourne Heart midfielder Matt Thompson,
who is on trial with the Reds, almost levelled up five
minutes later but his strike was deflected wide.
The last real opportunity of the friendly fell to Cameron
Watson with 20 minutes to play, however he flashed his
effort wide.
Mariners' coach Graham Arnold was pleased with the
display from his players.
"The boys did well today," Arnold said. "Considering we
only left the coast this morning and had a long day of
travel, to play the way we did and get 90 minutes
under our belts with no injuries is fantastic.
"Collectively, we were much better than against
Brisbane."
Arnold said he was looking forward to flying to
Indonesia for the 2013 Menpora Cup, where he believes
his men will benefit from three tough games in 10 days.
"It's going to be good to get over to Indonesia where
we will not only get three competitive matches, but
also have the opportunity to do extensive video
analysis work with our players in a camp situation," he
said.
The Mariners leave for Indonesia on Monday.

 

[localpom]

Last night's starting XI
https://twitter.com/CCMariners/status/378033003043106816/photo/1

Thanks...interesting. Wonder how close that is to what Arnie is thinking our starting 11 will be. Will be mighty close i think. Massive battle for places with Monty,Dukey,Reddy,Zac,Mile,Danny not included there but the side looks pretty good as it is.

 

[eenfish]

Respect to Caceres, but starting Hutch-Monty in the midfield is a no brainer for me, and I expect only to see Caceres as a sub or injury replacement. Plus, with Simon back, I expect Duke to return to his super-sub role that he did so well with last year. Will be interesting to see what happens up front when Danny McBreen returns though...

 

[priorpeter]

Respect to Caceres, but starting Hutch-Monty in the midfield is a no brainer for me, and I expect only to see Caceres as a sub or injury replacement. Plus, with Simon back, I expect Duke to return to his super-sub role that he did so well with last year. Will be interesting to see what happens up front when Danny McBreen returns though...

Wouldn't be surprised if we were to see some more of Caceres out wide this year. He was a weapon against Bankstown, playing on the left.

 

[localpom]

Not so sure....i think this will be a break out year for Anthony Caceres and the pre-season games indicate that he is in Arnies thoughts. At his age (21 nearly?), we are are a club that develops young players and the time has come to see what he can do. From all accounts he has massive ability. Maybe Caceres as left mid, Hutch and Monty as they were, Wee Mac on the right and Flores as AM ? Or drop Hutch for Monty ( Love Hutch but i think Monty is the better player) and put Matty on the left? Think this could also be Fitzys year so there are some tough choices....and when Danny returns........