Newcastle’s Craig Goodwin is counting down the days until the Jets’ Round 1 clash with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium next Friday.
After scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the corresponding fixture last season, Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets winger Craig Goodwin is hoping for a repeat performance from the Jets when they travel to Allianz Stadium to face Sydney FC in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League season.
Goodwin netted the Jets- third goal in their 3-2 win over the Sky Blues in Round 2 last season on what proved to be a memorable day for the Jets and the Hyundai A-League competition.
A packed house of 35,419 spectators watched that fixture, with marquee players Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero both finding the back of the net in their first ever meeting.
While the Jets will be without the injured Heskey on this occasion, Goodwin is hopeful the final outcome will be the same.
“Last season-s match has popped into my mind a couple of times, but I don-t dwell on it too much, because it was around 12 months ago now and Sydney is a different team to what they were then, and so are we,” Goodwin said.
“In saying that, I-m hoping we can emulate our performance in that game and get the same result.
“It-s going to be another exciting game and a great atmosphere, so hopefully plenty of Jets Members and supporters will travel down for the game.”
After a five-month pre-season, Goodwin said no shortage of anticipation for the opening game amongst the Jets playing squad.
“It-s been a really long pre-season. I think you can see in training all the boys are getting a bit more intense and there is a different feeling as it comes closer to the start of the season,” Goodwin said.
“There-s definitely a lot of excitement about the first game against Sydney and we just can-t wait for next Friday.”
Goodwin scored a brace in the Jets- 2-1 trial match win over the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, giving him a timely confidence boost on the eve of the season.
“It-s one of the areas I-ve highlighted with Gary as something I have to progress with this season compared to last year,” Goodwin explained.
“Definitely getting more goals and more assists is what I-m looking to try and do this season, so to get a couple against A-League opposition going into the season is a good start.
“I-ve just got to make sure I carry that form into the first game and keep it throughout the season.
“We-ve worked a lot on shooting and crossing at training as well as the timing of play.
“On the weekend I thought I had it down quite well and got a couple of goals from it and probably could have had a couple more.
“It-s something that I-ve worked hard on and I think it is crucial for an attacking player.”
