Matt Simon receives Socceroos cap ahead of Mariners match #200

Wednesday was a night to remember on the Central Coast as Mariners stalwart Matt Simon played his 200th A-League match in Yellow and Navy. 

In a special pre-match presentation, Simon was surprised by club teammate and fellow Socceroo Oliver Bozanic, who presented him with his Socceroos cap. 

The Central Coast club legend became Socceroo #526 back in 2009 when he made two full international appearances against Indonesia and Kuwait. 

Matt Simon
January 2009: Matt Simon in action during Australia's 0-0 draw with Indonesia at Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta

A year earlier, he also represented the Olyroos during Australia's last appearance at an Olympic Men's Football Tournament during Beijing 2008. 

Upon receiving his cap, Simon described it as "a very proud moment, especially come from Ollie."  

The 90 minutes that followed provided a match befitting of the occasion as the home side turned around a 2-0 deficit to defeat Melbourne City 3-2. 

Unsurprisingly Simon was at the core of the action, setting up the Mariners' first before winning a penalty which he slotted home for their second. 

Matt Simon
Simon drew his side level from the penalty spot on Wednesday night.

Football Australia National Teams staff Graham Arnold, John Crawley and Andrew Clark, all who worked with Simon over the years during their time at Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC were among his family and friends supporting from the stands. 

"It was a huge night," Simon told to FOX Sports post-match.

"It didn’t really hit me, the milestone, until I got to the ground where the club had organised a function beforehand and Arnie, Clarky and John Crawley were out there - a couple of old friends from back in the day. 

"It sort of hit me then,  just before I went into the change room, that it was a pretty big game.

"I’m just happy that we could get the result in the end, I think the boys put in a huge effort and I think we deserved the three points in the end."

The result took a resurgent Mariners side back to the summit of the A-League. They next face Western United at home on Sunday. 

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