THE Western NSW Mariners FC take to Orange’s Wade Park for the first time this Saturday in the round three Men’s State League Football 1 clash with Hawkesbury City FC.
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Based at Mudgee’s Glen Willow Sporting Complex, the Mariners also play home games at Bathurst’s Proctor Park.
However, as the Mariners look for their first win of the season they will be on different turf.
Last Sunday playing against the Inter Lions at Bathurst, the Mariners went down 4-0.
The visitors had scored twice before the break, Dylan Maloney opening the Lions account before Marino Musumeci doubled the tally.
While the Mariners tried hard to get back into the match, the second stanza once more belonged to the Lions.
Musumeci finished the game with a double, while Miguel Martinez also found the mark.
Still, the Mariners did create their chances throughout the match. That is a positive for Mariners first grade coach Andrew Fearnley, but his men will need to start converting. They are yet to score this season.
Mariners Skipper James Christie provided a constant headache for the Lions defence, Adam Scimone got in behind the defence but could not convert from a one-on-one, while Nick Rutherford did well out wide.
Coinciding with Wade Park’s scoreboard upgrade, Fearnley said the club has been sweating on a chance to play at Wade Park for some time.
“Unfortunately with Wade Park predominantly being used by two rugby league teams it hasn’t happened yet,” Fearnley said.
“But we spoke to Ben [Keegan, Orange City Council sport and recreation co-ordinator] some time ago and with the break in Group 10, this weekend proved a good chance to finally play at Wade.”
The Mariners junior teams will play in the lead up to the main event and Fearnley said with a number of Orange natives in the club, Saturday’s game provides them an opportunity to play on home turf.
It is also an easy travel game for a large group of Bathurst players in the first grade squad.
“We’re particularly happy to get some real footballers, as we call ourselves, on Wade Park,” he laughed.
“It’s the first time we’ve played a Men’s State League firsts game here, and with our Orange players it’s a great opportunity for them to play without having to travel. It also gives everyone else the chance to play at a different venue, on a quality pitch.”
The Mariners take on Hawkesbury in four grades before the main event at 6pm.
