Central Coast Mariners lost 3-1 to Auckland City in their final A-League pre-season clash in New Zealand on Wednesday.
Olyroos captain Oliver Bozanic put the Mariners ahead, before 2011 O-League Champions Auckland City levelled mid-way through the opening stanza from the penalty spot.
The Mariners fell behind on the stroke of half time, with the home side striking again just before the full time whistle to run out 3-1 victors.
Mariners coach Graham Arnold said the friendly against Auckland was the final test his side needed with just 10 days before the A-League season kicks off.
“They are a team that is going to the FIFA Club World Cup, and they have some very good players,” he said.
“I dont like to have not played a game more than 10 days before another match, so this was the perfect final hit-out for us,” he said.
Central Coast return home from New Zealand on Thursday, and will continue their preparations prior to their season opener against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday October 8.
nordozzz
Roar Guru
they're just 'tapering' for the season start :) on NZ, i think a second team would be great. I'm hoping they look to have a lower entry point for future A-League expansion. Say a two division A-League where the second tier only needs to run maybe sub 50pc of the top tier wage cap. Would allow them to expand to regional areas and even see existing semi-pro sides merging to bid for entry like RedOrDead is suggesting here. Expansion really needs the option of a lower cost base ... at present all sides run 80pc or so (+ marquees) of the salary cap ... only one cost of course but a biggie.
RedOrDead
Roar Guru
If there was a second team from New Zealand to join the A-League it should definitely be an amalgamation between Waikatere United and Auckland City = Auckland United. If Auckland City can beat Central Coast, imagine what a fully professional team will do. ...and no Auckland Kingz/New Zealand Knights don't count...an Auckland United team will be under different rules and circumstances and have much better support, advertising and connection with grassroots. The A-League has learnt a lot lately and in the last couple of years lifted it's profile immensely so a new Auckland team will also have much more backing from corporates, fans and businesses. Add in a New Zealand Derby - Auckland United Vs Wellington Phoenix and you have another successful A-League club :-) Anyway - not really related to the article - just wanted to add my two cents!
Michael
Guest
LOL