The F3 derby is the longest standing rivalry in the history of the A-League and perhaps even the strongest. However, Newcastle is on a three-game losing streak, while the Mariners have only managed to win one out of their last 17 matches – against the Phoenix, at home.
The most critical aspects of this fixture are the Jets ending their season well ahead of the finals series, while Central Coast want to avoid the wooden spoon.
Ahead of this weekend’s match, Newcastle are one win short of equalling the Mariners’ record of three consecutive wins in the derby.
Central Coast Mariners have won only one of their last ten outings against their bitter rivals, losing four and drawing five – including a record 5-1 pasting in Gosford last October.
In addition, a win by either side will equal the record of the most consecutive derby matches without a draw.
Nigel Boogaard (the injured Newcastle captain), played over 50 times for the Mariners, including seven times against his current club, scoring the only two goals he scored for Central Coast. Other current players who have played for both these teams include Roy O’Donovan, Andrew Hoole, Liam Reddy and Marcos Flores.
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The F3 derby was strongest in the 2007-08 A-League season, as both teams had strong seasons. While the first two games were drawn, the Jets won the next two, including the first leg of the preliminary final 2-0. That changed in the second leg, with the Mariners defeating the Jets 3-0 after extra time.
Newcastle managed to qualify for the grand final after defeating Adelaide United a week later (the finals were different that season), the Jets beating Central Coast 1-0 after Tony Vidmar made a huge error, and Mark Bridge capitalised. It was especially controversial, as James Holland handballed in the penalty box, but referee Mark Shield did not give a penalty.
It did not end there. After the decision was made, goalkeeper Danny Vukovic struck Shield on the arm and was given a suspension for that action.
As for this weekend, Newcastle are down on confidence following the departure of Andrew Nabbout and with Boogaard injured. O’Donovan has currently been woeful in front of goal, but all will be forgotten if he bags another hat-trick against his former club.
For the Mariners, this is their perfect chance to get revenge, making it four back-to-back losses for the second-placed side.
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