This was published 3 years ago
Canberra United disappointed with W-League semi move to Canberra Stadium
Canberra United are disappointed they've been forced away from their home fortress, but they're calling on Canberrans to get behind them in their bid to claim their third championship regardless.
The Central Coast Mariners have jumped on board that bid, cancelling their training session on Canberra Stadium to ensure United get a run before their big game.
Canberra United coach Rae Dower was "disappointed" about the move away from McKellar.Credit:Graham Tidy
Both United and the Mariners will play a W-League-A-League double header on Sunday.
Canberra takes on Melbourne City in a semi-final with a spot in the grand final on the line, while the Mariners host Adelaide United in a game that could decide the wooden spoon.
United told the FFA their preference was to play the game at McKellar Park on Saturday, but Fox Sports pushed for the double header to reduce the costs of covering both games.
Canberra coach Rae Dower was confident they could go on and add the championship to the premiership they won for finishing the home-and-away season on top.
"We're obviously disappointed [not to play at McKellar], it wasn't our decision, it's not our preference and it's out of our control," Dower said.
"We're playing at [Canberra Stadium], we're moving on and moving forward.
"What I really want to do is make that impassioned plea to all the football supporters of Canberra and the region to ... come out and support us.
"If this region is serious about getting a team in the A-League they need to show that with their support.
"We've got the one trophy, but we're hungry for more ... we'll do the double."
When asked whether it was a case of men's football being put ahead of the women, W-League golden boot winner Ashleigh Sykes said she didn't want to make it a battle between the sexes.
But she does have a very good reason for wanting to play at McKellar.
"I don't want to make it a boys against girls thing. Personally it's awesome to have a Canberra final no matter what," Sykes said.
"On the other hand, I've scored eight goals in three games at McKellar this year so I'd like to be at McKellar again, but I'm sure [Canberra Stadium] will be awesome."
Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said they were happy to accommodate United's bid however they could.
Central Coast were due to travel on Friday so that they could train at Canberra Stadium on Saturday morning.
But they've now changed that and will instead train in Gosford on Saturday morning before heading down in the afternoon.
Only 5497 attended the Mariners' first of the two games they will play in Canberra this season and the A-League club wants it to become an ongoing relationship.
Talks will continue between Mielekamp and the ACT government about extending it to next season on Sunday.
"We're very excited for Canberra United in the double header. Now that we've got a bit more clarity, we're looking to make sure they're given every possible chance that they can to perform at their best," Mielekamp said.
"We've adjusted our accommodation and our planning around to ensure they've got plenty of time on the pitch to prepare ... as they look to qualify for the big one."
W-LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL
Sunday: Canberra United v Melbourne City at Canberra Stadium, 2pm.
A-LEAGUE ROUND 18
Sunday: Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United at Canberra Stadium, 5pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
David Polkinghorne covers the Canberra Raiders, local rugby league, Canberra Cavalry, racing and cycling, along with every other sport, for The Canberra Times.