Michael Marrone says Adelaide United want to end their frustrating season on a high note, starting with a victory over Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday.
The Reds will be desperate for the three points knowing a win would take them off the bottom of the league table.
Adelaide are yet to beat the Mariners this season after suffering a pair of 2-1 defeats in Round’s 5 and 18.
Last time out, United secured a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Brisbane Roar, while Paul Okon’s men endured a narrow 1-0 loss to Sydney FC two weeks’ ago.
Marrone said the team can take confidence from their positive result against the Roar, heading into the clash against the ninth-placed Central Coast.
“It wasn’t the greatest display, but a win is a win (and) we’ll take it,” he said.
“Earlier in the season there was a number of times where teams scored against us in the last few minutes.
“It was pretty disappointing so to be on the other end of it (against Brisbane) was nice.”
Marrone said the Reds want to avoid claiming the ‘wooden spoon’ and carry momentum from their domestic matches into the remainder of the AFC Champions League group stage campaign.
“There’s only a couple of games left in the A-League and I think it’s important to build on good performances,” Marrone said.
“You come off a good performance (in the A-League) and then you play in the Asian Champions League can only be a good thing.
“No one wants to finish bottom and I guess the highs of last year and being where we’re now isn’t great for the club.
“But as I said there’s only a few games left and we want to finish on a high.”
The 30-year-old also lauded the return of star midfielder Isaias, who was named in the squad after recovering from a knee injury which sidelined him for six games.
The Spaniard will be a massive boost for Head Coach, Guillermo Amor, with Marcelo Carrusca suspended and Riley McGree away on international duty.
“He’s been back training all this week and looked really good,” he said.
“If he comes in I’m sure he’ll do a really good job.”
Adelaide United will face Central Coast Mariners in Round 24 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season on Saturday, 25 March at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT.
