Mark Jackson wants the Central Coast Mariners’ A-League Men’s main event win to be the start of a trophy-laden month for the club after claiming top spot with a 2-0 win over Adelaide.
Jackson, who had big shoes to fill when he replaced Nick Montgomery on the eve of the men’s A-League season, was beaming with pride after goals from Jacob Farrell and Max Balard secured first place for the Mariners on Wednesday.
It is the first time in 12 years that the Central Coast has finished a regular season at the top of the table.
But Jackson has said he is not satisfied with finishing at the top of the standings.
Less than 12 hours after their rain-soaked victory over the Reds in Gosford, the Mariners will hop on a plane to Oman for their AFC Cup final against Lebanese side Al Ahed on Sunday at 2am AEST.
If they are successful there, a possible place in an ALM grand final awaits them with the chance to complete a rare treble on offer.
“That’s our mentality, we told the players a while ago that opportunities to win a trophy don’t often present themselves,” Jackson said.
“Being in a position where we can win a treble is something that may not happen again.
“We’re going to do everything we can to take advantage of that opportunity and leave everything on the table.
“If we fall at the next hurdle, we’ll do it by trying to play our way.”
The Mariners won the first of their three trophies with ease, but have had to fight for first place all season.
Jackson’s men have been in a constant battle with Wellington Phoenix all season and a defeat would have given the New Zealand team their first premiership.
But after weathering an Adelaide storm – and the elements – the Mariners took a first-half lead thanks to skilful left back Farrell when he headed in a free kick in the 36th minute.
Nestory Irankunda, playing his final game for Adelaide before heading to Bayern Munich, threatened regularly for the Reds and forced a save from Danny Vukovic.
But 18-year-old Irankunda grew increasingly frustrated as the night wore on, and the Mariners hit the ground running, going up to the other end where Balard secured the win and the premiership.
“I’m fixed… but I’m happy for everyone at the club,” Jackson said.
“The fans, the people behind the scenes, the players, I can’t do anything alone.
“I have to have a good staff around me that believes in what we want to achieve.”
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