Peninsula players fly to Adelaide

Two Peninsula-based soccer players were preparing to take on Adelaide in the preliminary final last week with the Mariners.

The Central Coast Mariners played host to Newcastle United Jets in the A-Leagues minor semifinal at Central Coast Stadium on February 17.

A record attendance of 17,429 spectators came to watch the Mariners defend their

1- 0 lead from the first leg in Newcastle.

The final score line of 1-1 was just enough to secure the Mariners a place in the preliminary final against Adelaide United.

The players might be excited and a little nervous about facing league leaders Adelaide in the preliminary final, but have said they remain focused on the task ahead of them and are determined to reach the grand final.

A similar squad to that which played Newcastle on February 17 can be expected to travel to Adelaide for the preliminary final.

This means that Umina Beach resident Andre Gumprecht, who has started for the Mariners in all but one game this season, should fulfill his usual role in the central midfield.

Peninsula local and relative newcomer to the Mariners, Jamie McMaster, spent the minor semifinal against Newcastle on the sideline.

But with experience playing for English clubs, including Leeds, the former Umina United junior could be a dangerous substitute in his role as an attacking midfielder.

Mariners media liaison officer Mr Benjamin Coonan said that preparations for the match against Adelaide would be no different from what had given them success in the finals so far and throughout the season and that they would be treating it like any other match.

The only exception to the Mariners line-up could be right-midfielder Matthew Osman, who might still need time to recover after a bout of pneumonia.

A farewell for the departing Mariners was held at 4.30pm on Wednesday, February 22.

The event took place in Kibble Park, Gosford, and featured addresses from Minister for the Central Coast Mr Grant McBride, Gosford mayor Cr Laurie Maher and Wyong mayor Cr Bob Graham.

Aaron Goldsmith, February 22