The Central Coast Mariners will complete their trial match program ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season when facing recently crowned NSW Premier League Minor Premiers Blacktown City at the Fairfax Community Stadium on Saturday, 7 July.

Blacktown City were presented with one of the top prizes in NSW football last weekend – their 2-0 triumph over Manly United at Cromer Park sealing the Minor Premiership with two matches to spare.

Boasting a squad that features as many as five players with Hyundai A-League experience, including foundation Queensland Roar captain Chad Gibson, recently signed Sydney FC goalkeeper Ivan Necevski and former Mariners midfielder Leo Carle, the Demons belong to the top echelon of clubs playing outside Australia’s top flight.

In addition to the aforementioned three, the Demons’ line up also includes ex-Perth Glory midfielder Adrian Webster, former Newcastle Jets striker Tolgay Ozbey, as well as a pair of some of the old National Soccer League’s most recognisable faces – Gabriel Mendez and Brendan Renaud.

The Mariners have met Blacktown once previously – defeating the visiting Demons 3-0 at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium in one of their final trials before the Club World Championships qualifying series in May, 2005.

"It’ll be a good test for us, one week out from the Pre-Season Cup," said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

"The Fairfax Community Stadium is always a great surface to play on and a nice stadium, and I know a lot of people there, so I’m looking forward to going back there and having a good hit out."

McKinna is one of several members of the Mariners coaching or playing staff to have enjoyed time at the Fairfax Community Stadium previously.

McKinna shares an amazing record with English football icons Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan, with the trio among 22 players to have scored a goal on debut for Blacktown.

Adam Kwasnik won the NSW Premier League Golden Boot award in 2004/05 when playing for Blacktown, a season that also saw Mariners coaching staff members Ian Ferguson and John Crawley wear the black and red of the Demons, while Damien Brown was with the Demons for four seasons between 1998 and 2001.

"It’ll be good going back and hopefully a good game," said McKinna.

"Blacktown have been consistent for the past half a dozen years in the NSW Premier League, they’ve won Minor Premierships and Grand Finals under Brian Brown and Aytek Genc – I would say they’re probably the biggest club outside of the Hyundai A-League."

The Mariners are in action this Saturday, 30 June, when they take on ACT Premier League side Belconnen United at the Belconnen Soccer Centre. Kick off is at 5.30pm.

Following the Mariners’ sojourn to the nation’s capital, Lawrie McKinna’s charges will take on recently crowned NSW Premier League Minor Premiers Blacktown City at the Fairfax Community Stadium on Saturday, 7 July. Kick off is at 5.30pm.

Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season are now available for purchase online at www.ccmariners.com.au, or from Rebel Sports outlets at Erina and Tuggerah.