Friday night’s crucial showdown with Melbourne Heart will signify the Newcastle Jets’ 200th match in the A-League.
Friday night-s crucial showdown with Melbourne Heart will signify the Newcastle Jets- 200th match in the A-League and the Club-s players are eager to see a big turnout at Hunter Stadium to mark the occasion.
Former England international Emile Heskey said having a large and vocal home crowd behind the Jets would lift the team on match day.
“It would be massive for us. It-s going to be even more exciting, so hopefully we-ll have a big crowd there and we can go at the Heart,” Heskey said.
“We-ve got a lot to play for and that gives us even more of an incentive to go out there and do well and to fight for what we believe we should be getting.”
Former Melbourne Heart player Craig Goodwin knows this weekend-s opposition better than most and he pinpointed a number of areas where the Jets will have to be on their toes come Friday.
“They-re a very good side, but they-ve been a bit like us and a bit inconsistent,” he said.
“I think their main threats will be the likes of Richard Garcia, Fred and Eli Babalj and they-re a very good team in transition so that will definitely be something to watch out for on Friday night as well.
“They-re one point in front of us and we-re just outside the top six, so it-s crucial that we get the win here against them.”
Goodwin said he hoped to see Jets Members and supporters turn out in force to celebrate the Club-s 200th match.
“The Members and supporters have been great all season so far so hopefully they come out in good numbers again,” he said.
“It-s very important because they-ll give us some good support and hopefully we can get the result.”
Jets defender Sam Gallaway said it is paramount that the Jets are able to secure maximum points this weekend.
“It-s very tight and obviously we want to get into the top six so we need to get the three points,” Gallaway said.
“Everyone has got to be focused, everyone needs to be switched on and we really need a win.
“We-ve got four games left at home and three away, so we really need to win the home games.
“Obviously with the crowd on your side it feels like you have an extra player on the field, so as long as they-re loud and we play well, I don-t see how we can lose.”
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart
Friday, February 15
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)
Tickets from PROticket.
