A happy A-League club is a successful one, according to Central Coast defender Patrick Zwaanswijk, who claims fun and friendship are major reasons behind the Mariners’ recent resurgence.

The Gosford-based side continued to recover from a slow start to the season with a 3-2 win away to Sydney FC on Saturday night, a result which improved their standing to second behind fellow 2010/11 grand finalists Brisbane Roar.

After taking only a point from their opening three games, the Mariners have won three of their past four and are looking like they will again be a major force in the competition after last season’s stellar campaign.

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Veteran Dutch defender Zwaanswijk admitted after the win over Sydney that confidence had been growing in recent weeks – and he was also getting warm and fuzzy about the spirit within the team.

“You go to training and you look at the boys and the enjoyment that everybody’s got and, if you come back from a win, training is even better,” said the 36-year-old, who opened the scoring with a cracking free kick.

“… We are a great group of players as well as a great group of friends and that’s in the end going to help you perform as a team, I think.

“If you’re friends, you can step up to each other. You can help out each other and, if someone makes a mistake, you’re going to try to fix it.

“They’re a great group of guys and this is just the start of our season.”

The win left Mariners coach Graham Arnold equally delighted and he felt the scoreline did not fairly reflect his side’s dominance.



Arnold hailed the efforts of Zwaanswijk and captain Alex Wilkinson in defence but also sang the praises of striker Matt Simon, declaring it his best game of the season.

While Simon did not find the back of the net, he was a constant menace with his tireless work rate and physicality, showing his strength in setting up the Mariners’ third goal for Troy Hearfield.

“Since I’ve got to the club, I’ve tried to direct his energies into playing football, not arguing with the referees and arguing with the opponents, and concentrate more on what he’s good at,” Arnold said of Simon.

“That’s holding the ball up and laying it off and creating things for us and getting his goals.

“I think he’s improved out of sight in that area.

“He works so hard defensively – that’s what we’ve got to commend our front player with … the defensive work – they don’t give the opposition a minute’s breathing space.”

The Mariners return home to face Melbourne Heart on Saturday.