Craig Goodwin is hopeful his two-goal performance against Wellington can be the catalyst for bigger and better things to come.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets winger Craig Goodwin is hopeful his two-goal performance against Wellington Phoenix at Hunter Stadium on Sunday can be the catalyst for bigger and better things to come.
Goodwin scored both of the Jets- goals in the 3-2 loss to Wellington and while the 22-year-old was pleased with his performance from a personal perspective, he said defeat at the hands of the Phoenix was a disappointing outcome for the team.
“For me personally it was good to get back on the score sheet with a couple of goals, but for the team, losing that match is not what we need right now, especially at home,” Goodwin said.
“We-ve just got to come back to the training ground and work hard for next week.”
Goodwin said the self-belief he gained from his stunning first half strike against the Phoenix had given him the confidence to run at the defence in the second half, a tactic that eventually lead to him completing his brace.
“After the first one went in, it was just very much joyful moment for myself,” Goodwin said.
“The second one was good as well, just to be able to get back into that rhythm of dribbling and taking players on, because that-s my game.
“That-s what I-ve got to do, I-ve got to make those moments and try to score goals for the team.”
Goodwin had been in and out of the Newcastle line-up during the first half of the season, but has cemented his spot in recent weeks, starting the Jets- past six Hyundai A-League matches.
The former Melbourne Heart man said he has adapted well to the playing system of interim head coach Clayton Zane.
“I definitely feel a bit more free and I feel that with the change of the system I have more space to work with, but I-ve just got to keep working hard on my performance and my game to get more goals,” Goodwin said.
“It-s been a topsy-turvy season, there-s a lot of ups and downs in football… but I-m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I-ve just been working hard this whole time to put in the performances to try and better my game.”
With the Jets currently sitting in ninth place with nine matches remaining this season, Goodwin said it was important they starting putting some points on the board soon in order to bridge the gap to the top six.
“There is a sense of urgency, but I wouldn-t say that it-s panic stations as yet,” Goodwin said.
“If we go on a winning streak like we did for a few games earlier in the season and we get two or three wins, then we-re right back in the mix.
“Even the top four is achievable, provided we get those wins against the teams around us, which is very crucial.”
