More of Mori for Mariners

The Central Coast Mariners have received a welcome boost ahead of their demanding month long stretch of matches away from home, with the contract of short-term signing Damian Mori extended by a further four weeks.

Mori has become a popular figure with the Mariners’ faithful since he was first included in Lawrie McKinna’s squad in late September – netting three goals in four matches to top the Mariners’ goal scoring chart after nine rounds.

After debuting against the New Zealand Knights in Round 6 at North Harbour Stadium, Mori has impressed at every turn, providing the winner for Adam Kwasnik across the Tasman before scoring three of his own in matches against Adelaide United and Sydney FC.

"Damian has been magnificent for us since coming on board, as his goals have proven," said Football Manager McKinna.

"A player of his quality is a huge boost to not just our chances on the park, but also to our squad as a whole – since he’s been involved he’s been quite vocal with our younger players and Damian’s experience will only help them longer term."

Mori’s recent strikes in yellow and navy have taken his goal tally in Hyundai A-League matches to ten in 21 matches, two less than the all-time top goal scorer in Hyundai A-League history – Melbourne Victory’s Kevin Muscat.

In all top-flight Australian domestic competition, Mori has netted 235 goals, which, coupled with his 29 goals at international level, makes the Melbourne-born marksman one of the world’s most prolific strikers.

Mori’s newly-signed contract will begin this Saturday, when the Mariners take on the Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium and will continue for matches away to the Melbourne Victory (3 November), Newcastle Jets (12 November) and New Zealand Knights (19 November).

Mori replaces midfielder Andre Gumprecht in the Mariners' squad, with Gumprecht set for another four weeks on the sidelines after tearing his medial collateral ligament against the Melbourne Victory in Round Four.

The Mariners, with Mori now on board, face a daunting four-match stretch away from home, starting with a sojourn to the home of the Queensland Roar – Suncorp Stadium, this Saturday, 28 October. Kick off is at 7pm.

The Mariners return to Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, 25 November, when they host FIFA World Cup winner and world football icon Romario for his only interstate appearance during his four-match guest stint with Adelaide United. Kick off is at 7pm.

Tickets are now on sale from Ticketek outlets, the Ticketek website – www.ticketek.com.au, or via phone on 132 849.