Post by Bearinator on Oct 5, 2007 11:25:18 GMT 10
I don't like Jets: Kwasnik - The World Game
In-form Central Coast midfielder Adam Kwasnik has added further edge to his side's top-of-the-table A-League clash with Newcastle on Sunday, admitting he doesn't like the Jets.
Kwasnik believes the Mariners-Newcastle rivalry is his club's greatest, rating the upcoming local derby bigger than a clash with Central Coast's geographically-closer rivals Sydney FC.
Sunday's match at Gosford is huge for both clubs, with the Mariners top of the table and able to clear out to a seven-point lead should they beat the second-placed Jets.
And Kwasnik, who has been outstanding in Central Coast's surprising march to the A-League lead, admitted he would take more satisfaction from beating Newcastle than any other side.
"I don't like them - I like Sydney more than I like them," Kwasnik said of the Jets. "Newcastle are always tough. They always lift against us. For me they're our greatest rivals."
Kwasnik's comments have added more spice to a clash expected to attract more than 12,000 fans to Bluetongue Stadium.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna took a swing at the Jets' lack of travelling support this week, saying Newcastle's fans attend the away derby in numbers small enough to fill only a mini-bus.
There is also lingering ill-feeling from the teams' clash in a pre-season cup match two years ago in which Mariners striker Nik Mrdja snapped Andrew Durante's leg in a tackle.
Also strengthening the rivalry is the fact several players have spent time in the opposing region.
The Mariners' new Olyroo Nigel Boogaard, Damien Brown and Greg Owens all played in the old National Soccer League with Newcastle sides.
And foundation Central Coast skipper Noel Spencer, cut loose by the Mariners at the end of last season, now plays for Newcastle.
Kwasnik, 24, has been in career-best form this season, scoring twice and creating several others for the Mariners in their opening six matches.
His speed has troubled all opponents, and the attacking midfielder's importance will be heightened with striker Mrdja still sidelined through injury.
The Mariners are also without skipper Alex Wilkinson through injury while fellow defender Tony Vidmar is suspended after being sent off in Central Coast's first loss of the season last weekend against Adelaide United.
Newcastle have named injury and illness concerns Joel Griffiths and Matt Thompson in their squad and promoted Spencer for the match against his old club.
Mariners midfielder Brown said the spur of moving seven points clear at the top of the table was a huge motivation for his side.
"There's a lot to do before we get the win but if we get the win it will be a big one for us," he said. "It's the biggest match for us for the year."
In-form Central Coast midfielder Adam Kwasnik has added further edge to his side's top-of-the-table A-League clash with Newcastle on Sunday, admitting he doesn't like the Jets.
Kwasnik believes the Mariners-Newcastle rivalry is his club's greatest, rating the upcoming local derby bigger than a clash with Central Coast's geographically-closer rivals Sydney FC.
Sunday's match at Gosford is huge for both clubs, with the Mariners top of the table and able to clear out to a seven-point lead should they beat the second-placed Jets.
And Kwasnik, who has been outstanding in Central Coast's surprising march to the A-League lead, admitted he would take more satisfaction from beating Newcastle than any other side.
"I don't like them - I like Sydney more than I like them," Kwasnik said of the Jets. "Newcastle are always tough. They always lift against us. For me they're our greatest rivals."
Kwasnik's comments have added more spice to a clash expected to attract more than 12,000 fans to Bluetongue Stadium.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna took a swing at the Jets' lack of travelling support this week, saying Newcastle's fans attend the away derby in numbers small enough to fill only a mini-bus.
There is also lingering ill-feeling from the teams' clash in a pre-season cup match two years ago in which Mariners striker Nik Mrdja snapped Andrew Durante's leg in a tackle.
Also strengthening the rivalry is the fact several players have spent time in the opposing region.
The Mariners' new Olyroo Nigel Boogaard, Damien Brown and Greg Owens all played in the old National Soccer League with Newcastle sides.
And foundation Central Coast skipper Noel Spencer, cut loose by the Mariners at the end of last season, now plays for Newcastle.
Kwasnik, 24, has been in career-best form this season, scoring twice and creating several others for the Mariners in their opening six matches.
His speed has troubled all opponents, and the attacking midfielder's importance will be heightened with striker Mrdja still sidelined through injury.
The Mariners are also without skipper Alex Wilkinson through injury while fellow defender Tony Vidmar is suspended after being sent off in Central Coast's first loss of the season last weekend against Adelaide United.
Newcastle have named injury and illness concerns Joel Griffiths and Matt Thompson in their squad and promoted Spencer for the match against his old club.
Mariners midfielder Brown said the spur of moving seven points clear at the top of the table was a huge motivation for his side.
"There's a lot to do before we get the win but if we get the win it will be a big one for us," he said. "It's the biggest match for us for the year."
