ON the way into Bluetongue stadium on Saturday afternoon, I saw a woman wearing an 'I love Hutcho' shirt. By the end of the match, thousands of spectators were lining up at the merch stand to order a similar one.
(Apparently there were a few requests for "I Heart Breeze" shirts as well. )
When Hutcho scored that third glorious goal, ensuring our comprehensive victory over GCU, there were tears in my eyes as well as a scream of joy.
Although I have always rated Hutcho as one of our most hard-working and consistent players, it is no secret that his toughness and competitive spirit are viewed with suspicion by many rival fans as well as some of our own.
The way he plays is often cited as typifying the Mariners 'unadventurous' English style of football that critics love to hate. To see him score the final blow against the vastly over-rated 'other' Coasties was sweet justice indeed.
If this was a battle of style over substance, then substance was the winner by a million miles. But the fact is, to even the most biased viewer, the Mariners played a beautiful game of football over the full 90 minutes that left their opponents struggling to stay afloat.
It was an inspiring team performance that showed the Mariners at their positive, tenacious best. Against all predictions, this team has shown that they are truly capable of greatness this season, a greatness that will surely lift their confidence sky high and have other teams worried.
This was not about Gold Coast's injury list, or flashy reputation or time spent on the road. Nor was it about a questionable red card that had little real impact on the match. This was simply about Gold Coast being thoroughly outplayed in every respect across the park by a vastly superior team.
Let me say that again. We OUTPLAYED them - end of .
We scored three classy goals, our midfield was sublime and our defence was simply impenetrable. There was never a moment when we did not totally dominate the game.
Beating the 'golden boys' of the A-League was a perfect way to celebrate Lawrie McKinna's 100th match as coach. It was surely one in the eye to all those who questioned the gaffer's capabilities and choice of players at the beginning of the season.
His new recruits Travis, McGlinchey and Doig are suddenly being spoken about as 'great finds' and his team have now set a new benchmark against the most-fancied team in the league. Far from being replaced, maybe Lawrie will now be the one getting offers to move elsewhere?
Although his post-match reaction was understated, you get the feeling that Lawrie must have privately danced around his loungeroom to Eye of the Tiger while punching the air aggressively. Hey, he deserves it.
While the crowd turnout of less than 8,000 was somewhat disappointing (blame the Rugby finals series) you can bet your life this match will become part of Mariners Legend. In years to come every Mariners fan will claim to have been there the night we crushed the white shoe brigade.
Personally, it was one of the most exciting nights of my life. It's on nights like this that I actually feel sorry for those who aren't football fans because they will never know the incredible high that comes with a win like this. I was tempted to rush up to a group of players I saw leaving the stadium and scream those eloquent lyrics from "Song 2" : "Woo-hoo!" For once, dignity prevailed.
I just wanted to tell them how much this win means to me.
How, as I sat watching them being decimated by Kawasaki Frontale, I knew this day would come. Inspired by the unwavering and touching dedication of Japanese fans, I vowed to support my team through whatever difficulties lay ahead. It wasn't losing that hurt as much as the barrage of criticism of the Mariners' performance. After all the negativity, this is a thousand times more satisfying and makes me believe anything is possible.
We have earned this win, players, coaches and fans alike. Today, tomorrow and next week everything will look a lot brighter and more beautiful because of it.
Last year in my delusional grief, I imagined a perfect future where we finally won the Grand Final third time around by beating GCU.
Doesn't seem quite so ridiculous now, does it ?
Also, I must mention that the NYL match was a 6 goal thriller. Fantastic stuff from both sides - go watch NYL sometime, you'll be glad you did.
