Mariners unearth a gem in Milan Duric as Western United target derbies

Central Coast have came away with just a point but plenty of hope and a new star from their opening two games of the season.

Mariners import Milan Duric takes a shot at goal against Newcastle Jets at Central Coast Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Central Coast have came away with just a point but plenty of hope and a new star of the A-League, in Serbian Milan Duric, from their opening two games of the season.

And Mariners coach Alen Stajcic is confident his side is close to becoming a “very dangerous prospect for the finals” after back-to-back wooden spoon campaigns in the last two years.

Central Coast drew 1-1 with Newcastle on Saturday night in Gosford courtesy of a retaken penalty from Jets attacker Dimi Petratos in the 56th minute. Post-game debate centred on the use of the video assistant referee to give Newcastle a second chance to equalise after Mariners goalkeeper Mark Birighitti came off his line to save the initial penalty from Petratos.

But the revival of Central Coast, in their first full season under Stajcic, was also in focus.

The Mariners repelled numerous Jets attacks and looked dangerous with the ball, especially on the counter.

And Duric was the standout.

As he did in the round-one loss to Western Sydney, the 32-year-old put the Mariners in front -this time with a stunning strike in the fourth minute. And he was just centimetres away from giving the hosts the winner at the death when his shot crashed into the post.

In between, the attacking midfielder was a regular threat for Central Coast with his pace and skill. In the first minute of the second half, he was close with a thundering free kick that Glen Moss kept at bay.

Stajcic was thrilled with how quickly Duric had made an impact.

“He’s improving week to week, I just can’t believe how quickly he’s improved and adjusted and adapted to our league,” the former Matildas coach said. “I’m really pleased for him. His workrate, his quality, his execution, his shooting — he’s got a real weapon there.

“Just his cleverness on the ball and ability to read the game.

“There’s not many imports who have come into the A-League and been able to adapt to the speed of our game so quickly, so a lot of credit needs to go to him for that.”

Stajcic, though, was pleased with performances across the park and said that when his players execute key moments better “we’re certainly going to be a team who can compete with anyone and beat anyone on any given day”.

“When that comes and that clicks I think we’re going to be a very dangerous prospect for the finals,” he said.

The Mariners have the bye before tough away games to Perth and Melbourne City.

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Meanwhile, two games into their first A-League season, Western United are undefeated and confident going into a pair of Melbourne derby matches.

The A-League newcomers defeated Wellington Phoenix 1-0 first up then drew 1-1 with Perth Glory on Saturday.

Inaugural coach Mark Rudan said the confidence his side took out of the opening two performances would hold them in good stead against Melbourne City next Sunday in Geelong, then Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium the following Saturday.

“For any footballer, confidence and belief are very important components and (the first two rounds) certainly has given it to them,” Rudan said. “As the season goes, on everybody will tell you just how hard it is to go to Wellington to get anything, let alone three points.

“The training is really good, the vibe is really good.

“We have got some fantastic individuals here, great human beings so I think its important we stay focused … we will bring that second-half performance into next week’s derby.”

Defender Josh Risdon, who experienced the Sydney derby during his stint at Western Sydney, said he saw the clashes with City and Victory as opportunities to make a statement.

“Obviously it’s great to have two derbies. It just has that different dimension here in Melbourne,” Risdon said.

“We’re really looking forward to it — it’s good the first one is at our home.

“A bit disappointing we only got the draw (against Perth) but we want to make a statement here at home and build our fan base and get everyone wanting to come to the games.”

AAP