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USAIN Bolt has scored first – and second – goals for Central Coast Mariners goal fans are still not convinced.
The world's fastest man on the net.
It was an impressive strike of the training sprinter as well as a secure A-League contract with the Mariners.
Bolt Gave His Trademark Celebration After Scoring.
while Fox Sports were Mike Mulvey, Bolt scored his second goal as Macarthur goalkeeper and defender took each other out, meaning he was on a hat-trick.
"You've got to be happy for him. It's one of those moments he'll be treasure forever but it was just good football. He's had a couple of chances tonight. "
Mulvey then rushed back to the bench after saying Bolt was supposed to come back to the field.
Speaking after he was substituted for the field, Bolt said he was happy with his performance.
"I think I made some slight mistakes but it's my first real game with the first team. I'm just happy I got a chance and I'm proud of myself, "Bolt said.
"It was a big deal, scoring a goal in my first real match is a big deal. To score two goals, it's a good feeling, it's what I'm working towards, I'm trying to improve myself, I'm trying to improve myself and I'm doing that. "
While Bolt scored two, he also missed a couple with some nice headers and attempts.
However, it was a moment in the first minute of the game which saw attention.
Bolt found open space but was chased down by Macarthur defender Nathan Millgate, who will be able to tell his story he is the world's fastest man.
After having had a shot at a defender, Bolt said that we were not the end of the world.
"The coach said to me, you'll get chances, you'll score some, you'll miss some, do not put your head down," he said.
"It caught me and I panicked a bit and over-kicked the ball. But the more you play, the more you learn and get more accustomed to the game. "
When Bolt came from the field in the 75th minute, fans booed the decision.
Bolt had mixed first half with plenty of chances but also being floored in a nasty challenge.
Mariners teammate Ross McCormack scored first to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead with the ball lobbing over.
Bolt then found out what can happen in the heat of battle, rolling on the ground after a challenge in a sensitive area.
After catching his breath, he was a bouncer in the action, beating two players after a lucky bounce before he was shot by strong defending by Macarthur.
Bolt then had a golden opportunity after a cross with the header going just wide.
The Mariners scored again before halftime to lead 2-0 but almost conceded one with the Macarthur attempt hitting the crossbar.
Then Bolt got on the board, blowing the score out to 4-0, the final score in the match.
BOLT STILL HAS IN LONG WAY TO GO: BOSNICH
Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich said there were some slight improvements, Bolt still had a long way to go.
"Slight improvement if you want to say that it is still very poor," Bosnich said.
"It's the most important thing for a footballer is his touch. We're going to have a good time here, but it's going to be his brightest, he did not have a wonderful opportunity.
"It's the most important thing for a footballer, his touch, was poor.
"He's playing in a different position than he was in the first game.
"His speed endurance is a bit better but still looks tired after 15-20 minutes. He just looks a little bit sharper, not a great deal to be honest.
"There's a slight improvement but not very much."
Mariners assistant coach Nick Montgomery said Bolt's first attempt at goal was "unfortunate".
"I think his keys have been taken from Ross McCormack, so it's good, happy with the start," he said.
"He (Bolt) has a strong belief for a guy coming from a different sport to wanting to make it in football. Any kid could learn from his attitude and his belief. "
Social media reads up with news of Bolt's performance but many still have a long way to go.
'A VERY IMPORTANT GAME': BOLT
Usain Bolt heaped the pressure for the Central Coast Mariners, saying his performance in a trial game on Friday could determine his future with the A-League club.
The eight-time Olympic sprinting champion is expected to start for the Mariners against a Macarthur South West United team in Western Sydney. United plays in a second-tier competition.
The 100m world record holder said he expected some nerves when out on the pitch, but was excited by the opportunity to prove his worth as a footballer.
"This will be a big game. I think it will be determined if the club makes up its mind on what to do with my career. So for me, it's a very important game, "Bolt told Mariners' club media Wednesday.
"I'm looking forward to prove myself.
"For me, that's always a good step, when the coach is satisfied with your fitness – you're always a big step.
"I'm just happy to get lucky and go out there, and do my best because that's the key thing."
The Mariners begin the A-League in Brisbane against the Roar. Bolt, who holds the 100m and 200m world records.
August, Bolt hinted at a position change for the match at Sydney's Campbelltown Stadium.
Coach Mike Mulvey "said he wants to play me up top more," Bolt said.
"The couple of games that I played, I did not play with the first team.
"There's a few first-team boys in the team for Friday. So I'll get different service, better service, because they're more seasoned and more mature. So he just told me to make sure I'm focused and push myself, and I'll just take the chances when I get them. "
The 32-year-old Jamaican track has been happy with his progress in football.
"That's always a good step, when coaches are satisfied with the fitness to put me in the starting line-up. That's always a big step, "Bolt said.
"I can say I've been improving, (but) you will not know what level you're playing until you actually play a competitive game."
In late September, Mulvey said he could wait until the final decision on Bolt 's status with the team.
Bolt saw his first action for the Mariners on August 31, playing 20 minutes against a Central Coast invitational side.
He played the second half against the North Shore Mariners on September 19, when he alternated between left wing and forward.
Since then, Bolt said he's ready for the 90 minute game, rather than a sprint.
"My movement and my touch is much better now," he said. "I'm learning how to set my body and where to place the ball."
There was a big crowd on the front of the team and the Mariners' last pre-season match of the start of the A-League season.
– with AP and AFP
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