Matthew Simon insists that Central Coast Mariners deserved the hard fought 3-2 victory over Melbourne City that saw them go up to the top of the A-League.
The Mariners initially went two goals down in the first-half through strikes from Adrian Luna and Jamie Maclaren. But the hosts put up a determined fight to doggedly make it 2-2 through youngster Jaden Casella and Simon with the latter scoring from the spot.
The visitors went down to 10-men for a third time in five games this season as defender Kerrin Stokes saw a second yellow for an unlawful challenge on Alou Kuol.
The game was a momentous occasion for Simon, as he completed 200 matches for the Mariners and bagged a goal as well as an assist as his family watched and cheered him on.
“It was a huge night,” the veteran forward told FOX Sports, whilst trying hard to fight back tears.
“It didn’t really hit me, the milestone, until I got to the ground where the club had organised a function beforehand and Arnie [Graham Arnold], Clarky [Andrew Clark] and John Crawley were out there – a couple of old friends from back in the day.
“It sort of hit me then, just before I went into the change room, that it was a pretty big game.
“I’m just happy that we could get the result in the end, I think the boys put in a huge effort and I think we deserved the three points in the end.”
The Mariners’ boss Alen Stajcic has in the past spoken of the club’s target of participating in the AFC Champions League next season. Central Coast will lock horns with Western United on Sunday as they continue their quest to bring continental football to Gosford.
