A 2-1 victory over new Hyundai A-League side Melbourne Heart has seen the Jets kick-off the new campaign in style.
In the club-s first pre-season hit-out in the lead up to the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season, the Newcastle Jets have defeated start-up side Melbourne Heart 2-1 in Morwell.
Star striker Michael Bridges got the visitors off to the perfect start in the 6th minute when he pounced on a defensive error to slot home the opening goal.
Some 20 minutes later and Iraqi international Ali Abbas gave the Jets a two goal cushion at La Trobe Sports and Entertainment Stadium when he latched onto a deep cross from the left before hitting a fierce left footed strike past Clint Bolton in the Heart goal.
The Jets maintained their discipline for large portions of the match, guided in the middle of the park by the impressive Kasey Wehrman, who was supported by young-gun Ben Kanatarovski. Meanwhile, at the back, Ljubo Milicevic and Nikolai Topor-Stanley once again showed why they are one of the best central defensive pairings in the league.
There was some late drama though, with Heart Dutch import Gerald Sibon climbing highest to nod home a Rutger Word free-kick midway through the second half.
The Jets would hold on to their advantage for the remainder of the match to kick their pre-season campaign off in winning style.
Following this victory, the Jets will take on Northern NSW Select XI on Wednesday, 14 July at Darling Street Oval. Gates open prior to kick-off of the 6pm undercard match between the Jets- U/20 side and NBN Select U/20-s, the main game starts at 8pm.
