Josh Mitchell believes hard work on the training paddock paid dividends for the Jets in their 2-1 win over the Mariners.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Josh Mitchell believes hard work on the training paddock paid dividends for the Jets in their 2-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners in Saturday-s F3 Derby at Hunter Stadium.
After conceding two goals in each of their first two matches, the Jets- defence looked much more assured against the Mariners and were able to handle the majority of what the visitors threw at them.
“It was a pretty special effort from us. It wasn-t the best game football-wise, but we grafted and got the three points and that-s what counts,” Mitchell said.
“I think it-s from the hard work we-ve been putting in defensively and right across the park and it-s good to know that it pays off.
“It wasn-t the best (footballing performance), but it was a derby match as well and there was a lot at stake. Those sort of matches are rarely won by great football, they-re won by grit and determination.”
Mitchell was particularly pleased with the cohesiveness he had with his partner in the centre of the Jets- defence, Tiago Calvano.
“It was a solid effort by the boys at the back, Tiago did really well,” Mitchell said.
“I thought that basically everyone pulled their weight this week, which was great for the home fans to see after the first game.
“We dealt with everything in the first half and I think we had a period where we were dominating for 10 minutes there.
“The second half we were a lot better, I thought we were on top. Unfortunately we gave away a goal from a throw-in so that was disappointing.
“Until then, I thought we were quite comfortable considering we didn-t have most of the possession.”
Having grown up in the Hunter region, Mitchell said he was enjoying being back in Newcastle and playing for his hometown Club.
“I was delighted to come back here and I-m obviously delighted to get two wins now and our first home win,” he said.
“We just need to kick on and hopefully we can do that as well.”
The Jets now turn their attention to Friday night-s clash with the Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium.
The Victory notched their first win of the season by defeating Adelaide United last weekend and are sure to be high on confidence.
“I watched their game and they-re always going to be tough with guys like Archie Thompson, Marcos Flores and players like that. I-m sure it-ll be tough,” Mitchell said.
“They-re a different team to what they were last year so it-ll be a hard game, but we-re at home and we-ll be aiming for three points.”
Match details:
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Hunter Stadium
Friday, October 26
Kick-off 7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)
Tickets available from PROticket.
