It may have ended in defeat, but Head Coach John van ‘t Schip remained proud of his side’s performance after Melbourne Heart FC fell to the Central Coast Mariners 1-3 at Bluetongue Stadium.

It may have ended in defeat, but Head Coach John van ‘t Schip remained proud of his side-s performance after Melbourne Heart FC fell to the Central Coast Mariners 1-3 at Bluetongue Stadium.

While the score line suggested a comprehensive defeat, even Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Graham Arnold acknowledged the significant role luck played in the final result, as Heart toiled away gallantly for little reward.

Van ‘t Schip praised Heart-s display under trying circumstances, stating his team largely matched the Mariners for the entire 90 minutes.

“The boys were very good today, very disciplined, creating chances. We made things difficult for the Central Coast, who were a top team last year, and are once again this season,” he said.

“Looking back at the game and the boys, how they-re making steps, they-re showing that the team is growing, but of course, the points remain here.”

While Dutch winger Rutger Worm acknowledged the disappointing nature of the result, he took a diplomatic view of the controversy which surrounded the match.

“It-s always hard for us but we can do nothing about it. We needed to work hard to get to 1-1, and once we did, it gave us hope, but unfortunately, the decision the referee made was a hard one…..at the end of the day, we can do nothing about it,” he said.

“It was not easy, it was quite hot outside, but they had the same problems so it-s not an excuse.”