A-LEAGUE action returns to Coffs Harbour as the Newcastle Jets take on Perth Glory at C.ex Stadium on Tuesday 13 April with a 7:05pm kick off.

The Jets continue to grow their fanbase on the North Coast following their trial match against the Brisbane Roar last December which finished in a 1-1 draw where fan favourite Valentino Yuel dazzled the crowd with his electric pace and double stepovers and has since scored four goals in the A-League this season.

Port Macquarie’s Angus Thurgate grew up playing football on the North Coast, where he played NPL in the Northern NSW competition.

The 21 year old from Port Macquarie has become a key figure in the Jets midfield, known for his attacking runs into the penalty box.

Jets defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley will be hoping for a repeat performance of his last visit to C.ex Stadium where he nodded home a header from a free kick to level the game against the Roar.

Perth Glory have plenty of firepower in the form of Bruno Fornaroli who has become one of the most prolific strikers in the A-League in recent years.

The Uruguayan played centre forward for Sampdoria in Italy and won the golden boot in his debut year in the A-League, scoring 23 goals.

The sharp shooter is currently ranked in third place for the golden boot scoring 8 goals from 13 games.

Monies raised at the match will go to flood relief victims on the North Coast.

“The Club has a focus on connecting with the community and the North Coast region, having played a trial match last year in Coffs Harbour, we know there’s strong support for the game,” said Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman, Shane Mattiske.

“We’re excited to bring a fully-fledged competition game to the area, like all people throughout this region, we’re concerned about the impact of the floods on the community,” said Mattiske.

It’s music to the ears of families on the North Coast where two children under 16 gain free entry with the purchase of one adult general admission ticket.

General Manager for North Coast Football, Andrew Woodward summarised some of the benefits associated with hosting an A-League match.

“It’s an opportunity for our current players to be inspired and for non-players to see what the world game is all about.

“Over $4 million in football talent will be on the pitch at Coffs Stadium, that’s not something we see every day, we want as many people as possible to see it.

“Football already is the biggest sport on the north coast and continuing to grow, bringing events like the Jets v Glory match will help accelerate that growth.

“Player registrations across Northern NSW are up, meaning we will have our biggest year yet in terms of player and team numbers.

“The year will end on a high with the opening of three new football pitches and associated facilities at Coffs Sport and Leisure Park, including two all-weather, year-round football pitches, thanks to $12.5 million in funding from state and local government.

“We’re also excited that the North Coast Football National Premier League Youth Under 15’s and 16’s will play each other in the curtain-raiser to the match, this match will be a great experience and exposure for the girls and boys,” said Woodward.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight is looking forward to welcoming the Jets back to Coffs Harbour.

“We’re excited to partner with the Jets to bring the first A-League match to the upgraded C.ex Coffs International Stadium, which was redeveloped specifically to cater for elite sporting events such as this.

“It’s a great opportunity for fans to come and stay on the Coffs Coast and enjoy a home-game holiday,” said Knight.

 

By David WIGLEY