Central Coast Mariners look to settle score in Adelaide

Morale in the Central Coast Mariners camp is high ahead of their clash with Adelaide after Angel Torres's last-minute goal in their win against Brisbane Roar.

CHRISTIAN THEOHAROUS.
CHRISTIAN THEOHAROUS. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Still buzzing from Angel Torres's 90th-minute goal in the win against Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners are hoping to take that momentum into their next two away ALM matches.

The Mariners are in top form with their last loss coming 11 games ago in their December match-up against the Roar, whom they gained sweet revenge on last week.

Set to play Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday, winger Christian Theoharous was full of praise for Torres.

"Angel's a special player. I think the sky is the limit for him," Theoharous said.

"He's capable of achieving a lot of great things, we just keep him going, keep him grounded and hopefully he can score a few more goals."

Coming out of a shaky start at the beginning of the season, the Mariners have found their mojo and are looking to keep their streak going.

"We have a massive squad and a lot of good depth, so we understand our structures now," Theoharous said.

"Obviously at the start it was hard with the adjustment period and now we are just rolling."

Currently sitting third on the ladder, Mariners want to settle the score with United after their 3-0 loss at the beginning of the season.

"It's going to be a really tough test in Adelaide - they're a great team," said Mariners manager Mark Jackson.

He added their momentum puts them in a good position as they continue to build culture off the field which is now reflecting on the pitch.

"We're in a good bit at the moment and a contributing factor to that is how we work and the culture around the playing group," Jackson said.

"I think the big thing that's important at a football club is that togetherness, and we are trying to build on that with all departments."

Jackson was also impressed with Torres's runaway goal at the pointy end of their Roar match, believing he's in the right space to continue his fine form in a solid team.

"We will be striving for him to get better every game and certainly everybody looks at that last goal and to be able to execute that in the last minute of the game it shows his capabilities," said Jackson.

"But it also shows the team's capabilities as well."

After the Adelaide test, the Mariners head to New Zealand to face log-leaders Wellington Phoenix.

"It's an opportunity for us to go and challenge ourselves and we will take everything to that game," Jackson said.

"But first and foremost we have to go to a really difficult place in Adelaide."