It’s been 127 days since the Red & Black last kicked a ball and captain Mitchell Duke is raring to go.
It’s been 127 days since the Red & Black last kicked a ball and captain Mitchell Duke is raring to go.
The Wanderers have spent the last month preparing for a hectic schedule that will see them play five games in 17 days in the Hyundai A-League restart.
“I think us along with the Melbourne teams, have probably had the longest time before a competitive game,” said Duke.
“Which is hopefully a good thing for us, more time to prepare, and to get our condition up and get those minutes in the legs.
“Everyone’s definitely showed improvement in those two friendly games, still not exactly where we need to be but we’ve got a few more days to get our tactics right.”
Duke and the team will first up face the Mariners up in Gosford who are coming off a recent draw against the Jets.
In a typically tight and intense F3 Derby, neither side was able to capitalise on the limited number of chances created.
It was a result which certainly left the Mariners feeling happier as they avoided setting a new Hyundai A-League record of 12 straight losses with just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While the draw avoided an unwanted record for the Mariners, the point will consign the club to a fourth wooden spoon in the last five seasons.
“The Mariners can be a dangerous team because they are so desperate for a win,” said Duke.
“We’ve got to be prepared for a big fight. We know that they can still perform and do something, and they can hurt you if you switch off.
“So we will prepare ourselves for a big game.
“For us every game in our last five matches are big, and are important to get into those finals.”
