“We are starting to reap the benefit of the hard work not only from this year but the year or two prior,” Gary van Egmond said.
Following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Melbourne Heart at Hunter Stadium, the Newcastle Jets are undefeated in six games and sit in third position.
The team struggled to maintain possession of the ball in the early stages of the first half but Adam Taggart-s spectacular volleyed goal settled the home side down going into half time.
The Jets dominated the second half and could have won by more if they had been more clinical but overall coach Gary van Egmond was satisfied with the team-s performance.
“We-re getting some momentum and confidence obviously from the wins and scoring goals, so that-s very pleasing,” he said.
“There-s very good competition at training, a lot of the reasons why some of the boys are working so well is the competition that there is within the squad.
“I think we are starting to reap the benefit of the hard work not only from this year but the year or two prior.
“It was very pleasing that we were able to respond in the manner that we did, we created a number of opportunities so from that point of view it was very pleasing.”
The Jets went into the game with forced changes due to injuries to Connor Chapman and Sam Gallaway, and the suspension to Kew Jaliens.
Josh Mitchell and Taylor Regan made their first starts for the campaign and both were strong in the middle of defence for the Jets.
The Jets have won three matches in a row but van Egmond remained cautious ahead of next weekend-s away clash with Sydney FC.
“We-ve got a very difficult game next weekend, Sydney are on a real high, we-re playing in their home town and it won-t be an easy game,” he said.
