Michael Bridges has rated his stunning volley in the Jets’ 5-0 win over Wellington Phoenix among his best ever goals.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets striker Michael Bridges has rated his stunning volley in the Jets- 5-0 win over Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium on Saturday as among his best ever goals.
Following a cross-field pass from Craig Goodwin, Bridges connected sweetly with a right-footed volley that dipped viciously over the head of stranded Phoenix goalkeeper Glenn Moss to put the icing on the cake of an impressive performance from the Jets.
“It was nice,” Bridges said.
“I-m not going to lie, it was a one in a million opportunity. You practice things like that all year at training and mess around at the end of sessions trying to score goals like that.
“Thankfully that came off, it hit the sweet spot and it-s one of those things I-ll cherish.
“After 20 years of football I rate that as one of the greatest goals I-ve scored.”
Bridges said the Jets- solid defensive structure was what allowed the side-s front four of David Carney, Emile Heskey, Adam Taggart and Joel Griffiths to run riot against the Phoenix.
“The defensive shape was fantastic. The back four with the midfield two of Ruben (Zadkovich) and Zenon (Caravella) screening did really, really well,” Bridges said.
“BK (Ben Kennedy) had a couple of great saves early on and the crowd got behind him, which was great to see.
“The other four lads who were playing up top just turned it on and it was great to see.”
While Bridges has only been a bit-part player for the Jets after also taking on the role of assistant coach in recent weeks, the Englishman said it was important all members of the Jets- playing squad remained ready to play if called upon.
“We-ve got another three games left, then we-ve hopefully got the finals, so it-s about the whole squad, not just the guys that are playing,” Bridges said.
“We-re trying to emphasise to all the players that there-s going to be injures, there-s going to be suspensions, so don-t switch off and think that you-re not involved because it-s a squad game.
“I-ve missed the last three or four matches and been on the bench here and there and I-ve waited for my opportunity – that-s what we-re trying to preach to the rest of the lads.”
