Central Coast coach Phil Moss on Wednesday backed a move for an A-League team to be based in Wollongong, after a crowd of more than 5000 made the trip to WIN Stadium to watch his Mariners defeat South Coast Wolves 1-0 in the FFA Cup.
Moss’s side struggled with their fitness and a moment of class from Josh Rose and Glen Trifiro, in the 13th minute, provided the win, but the Mariners’ boss was full of praise for both sides.
“I was really happy for the boys because they worked ever so hard for the full 94 minutes,” Moss said.
“I think they showed real glimpses of quality in the first half … not so much in the second half. I think fatigue got the better of us.
“Tonight was probably a fair indication of where we are at, match fitness-wise, against a team that are match hardened.
“We had players out there tonight that you could see were pushing through pain barriers, which is great for our preparation.”
While excellent preparation for the Mariners’ new A-League season, making them the fifth top-flight club into the final 16, the night was a win for football on the south coast.
The Wolves, the current day form of the two-time NSL champion Wollongong Wolves, were impressive as were their loyal fans with drums beating throughout the match, providing plenty of atmosphere.
“I would like to say that any bid for an A-League club from this area should be fully supported,” Moss said.
“It is a fantastic football area and I think, tonight, the Wollongong club really showed they are ready for an A-League team.
“The Wolves were exactly what I expected. I coached in the State League for nine years. I got Trif (Glen Trifiro) and Matty Sim from the NPL last season and they are no longer State League players – they are fully fledged A-League players.
“I thought the Wolves played really well as a team, fought for each other and they were really hard to break down at times.”
His sentiments were echoed by goal-scorer Trifiro.
“I know there is great support in Wollongong. I know they have tried and there has been talk that maybe there is a chance for another A-League team here and, with 5000 turning out tonight, it shows there is support in Wollongong,” Trifiro said.
The Mariners next play three friendlies, one against Melbourne City, before embarking on their next FFA Cup encounter.
Squizz
Guest
I think they sold about 5200 and crowd was quite a bit bigger. The western stand was full (6000) with the northern terraces with quite a few as well. Probably close to 8,000 including kids
SVB
Guest
I think it will still be a few years away. But I wouldn't say it will never happen. I think for now we should keep taking matches there. Sydney FC play a competition game there this year. Let's see how that goes.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I just found out that 16 and unders were free last night and they would have easily been half the crowd which means that they had @ 2500 people willing to pay $10 for the game that is not a good sign for an prospective ALeague team
SVB
Guest
You are correct. That's why they have to do membership packages which give you value for money. If it comes to around $15 a game I think that would be reasonable.
SVB
Guest
The game was played on a Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval and got just a little over 5k. I think this is a good crowd for the Wolves but we have to be careful for a one off game. Things have to be done very carefully. I think they will have more support from different parts of Sydney than people think. The drive down to Wollongong from Sydney is a beautiful sight. The stadium is also in an awesome location. I can't wait to personally experience it.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
the all stars and national underage team was free entry and the wolves V ccm was only $10 there was a lot of kids at both games as it was a cheap night out to see some higher level football, this would be different once full prices are charged
Davo
Guest
So far this season in Wollongong the 4 NRL games that have been played there have averaged 11,500 per game. This tells me that if done well, im sure an a-league team could get similar figures. Once you include the away supporters contingent that you don't really get in league, the south coast team could avg even higher. Who knows.
1860melbourne
Guest
7000 for a kick about between the all stars and national underage team, another 6000 for a midweek fixture , surely its time for De Bohen and co to to take a drive out there and have a closed door conversation with the people down there. Talk of second teams in Adelaide Perth is pie in the sky stuff!
Midfielder
Guest
They played another NRL side Easts I think who are also an inner city team ... It was a Monday night two NRL sides ... Easts coming in the top 4, Tigers near the bottom.. Tigers in poor form and was a bad night weather wise .. however they got under 5K and the FFA Cup match received close to 6K...
Timber Tim
Guest
Canberra and Wollongong next A-league teams please. Please no Sydney/NSW centric comments but these two potential expansion points would be considered a low risk venture should problems occur. Crowds will benefit from half the teams visiting are from bus distance away which would allow greater capacity of away fans to travel. Conquer as much of NSW/ACT as possible then spread out to VIC/QLD etc. Wollongong for the A-league please. Just hope they can put stands on the beach side of the stadium.
Kasey
Guest
against another NRL team or against a team from the tier below?;) Okay, I think I made my point;) What was the Tiger's crowd figure?
Midfielder
Guest
Monday
Kasey
Guest
Were the Wess Tigers playing on a Tuesday evening or a weekend?
Midfielder
Guest
Just as an aside ... The crowd at this match was more than the West Tigers playing in their heartland stadium....
Midfielder
Guest
Agree they also pushed us all the way...
Kasey
Guest
(y) to the Wollongong Wolves in the A-League.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
If other states, cities, regions do not show the same enthusiasm for football then the case for an A-league club becomes that much more difficult for you. Well done to the Wollongong football supporters who went out and supported this game. That was a fantastic crowd for a midweek fixture. The best one so far.
whiskeymac
Guest
Solid cup result for ccm and good to see a healthy midweek crowd.