Player Blogs
Scott Mellish's 2
Match: AIS vs. Central Coast Mariners
Date: Saturday 09/01/2010.
After the long bus trip to Gosford, we were all preparing for the game against Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium. The weather was a factor as temperatures were up around 34 degrees. After a short but intense warm up due to the weather we were all ready to go for what we knew should be a good game against the Mariners after two draws on the previous two occasions.
Both teams started well but it was Central Coast who got the early breakthrough. After build up play down the right, our defence failed to deal with the cross as it fell to someone just outside the box whose shot was deflected but saved by goalkeeper Aaron Lennox, only to fall an unmarked Mariners striker who put the ball into the net in the 3rd minute of play. After trying to get the goal back and creating a number of chances, we again conceded in the 22nd minute when a shot from outside the 18 yard box went in off the post. Then 10 minutes later we were lucky not to go 3 nil down when Central Coast hit the post from a free kick. Towards the end of the first half we began to create more and more chances with Kamal Ibrahim with the best of them but his shot was over the crossbar.
The second half was similar to the end of the first. We were creating chances but failed to capitalize. We had set piece after set piece toward the end of the second half and were unlucky not to score. Trent Sainsbury had his header parried of the line and Kevin Davison had his header spin narrowly wide of the post. We were putting more and more pressure on Central Coast’s defence but the game ended at 2.0.
By Scott Mellish
