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.
tim
Guest
I agree on season 2. When you consider they were winless after round 7 (under Theodorakopoulos) but went on to finish third (under GVE) in a 21 round season, it shows the qualify of that squad. [Sydney FC fans may point out that their side would've finished third had it not been for a 3 point deduction for salary cap breaches, but do the crime, do the time, etc.]
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Especially against your rivals!
Kangajets
Guest
The precious season it was Adelaide that knocked out the jets in a penalty shootout. Adelaide went on to lose the grand final to Melbourne Victory 6-0 Interesting, just the week before the finals, Newcastle beat victory 4-0 . Season 2 was Newcastle best team imo with Nick carle and Milton Rodriguez playing electric football. Season 3 was fantastic to win the grand final.
Fadida
Guest
I thought Moss had been on the bench. He's a calming influence
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Oh, really? I heard it was Adelaide. Really sorry about this Kangajets and good luck in the F3 derby against the Mariners.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Can’t argue with that Fadida. I’d consider Dimi central but he needs someone to pick up the slack. Maybe if someone else goes off and Pato comes on out left though. Got to win this one, if only to remember what it’s like to win. What is the word on Moss? Duncan has his moments but Moss was carrying an injury iirc.
fadida
Guest
Sadly Pato doesn't influence games nearly enough. We need a line up with pace an work rate, the secret to the flying start. I'd go; -------------Moss------------------ Vujicic-Jackson-NTS-Georgievski -------Kanta-Ugarkarkavic-------- --------------McGree--------------- -----the Hoff--O'donovan--Dimi-- We have been belted in midfield. Kanta and Ugarkarkavic have been great at winning the ball back, McGree is better centrally and has twice the work rate of Pato. The Hoff has been effective wide right, and has a huge engine, compensating somewhat for Dimi's lack of one.
Kangajets
Guest
Newcastle defeated the roar to make the grand final, not Adelaide.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Early in the week Merrick was indicating the same team were not going to be fielded and he needed to look at a few players who had dropped off. I think Merrick was trying to get match fitness in Vargas but that might have been asking a bit too much for this point in the season. Now a couple of injuries makes the choice easy. Rodriguez looks like he may start but I think it is how he fills the wide roles and the backline that will go a long way to righting the plane. For most of the season we were without O'Donovan and Vargas so having most of the remaining team return to familiar positions will help, imo. It will be interesting to see how Rodriguez goes. I think he may not have adjusted as quickly and at times just relies on a couple of moves and flicks ;-)
Midfielder
Guest
coyy
Fadida
Guest
A depressing thought but now a distinct possibility. Merrick needs to sort out his team selections, the Vargas injury may be a blessing
Buddy
Guest
I am rather hoping that EM can conjure up something this weekend to bring back the form shown earlier in the season and lift The Jets so that there is some momentum in the semis. At the moment they look a “spent force” a grounded squadron with no fuel left and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Mariners take advantage. I can’t think of many worse ways to finish a season than to lose 5 straight including a semi final after being so good for the most part. It is a depressing thought!