Craig Deans says the Jets will draw on the positives from their second half performance in the F3 Derby.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets assistant coach Craig Deans says the Jets will draw on the positives from their second half performance in the F3 Derby ahead of Saturday-s clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
After falling behind 3-0 before the half-time interval against the Central Coast Mariners, the Jets responded in a positive fashion after the break, playing a much more positive brand of football.
Despite creating a number of chances, the Jets were unable to get a goal back, however, Deans believes there were a number of encouraging signs to take from the improved performance ahead of Saturday-s clash with the Wanderers.
“The boys were obviously disappointed because it-s obviously not a nice thing to lose a derby game, because it means a lot to the players, the fans and everyone at the Club,” Deans said.
“We had quite a good session this morning and we need to pick the spirits up again.
“Every game you play you need to take the positives out of it and you need to look at the things that didn-t work well and try to fix it.
“There were enough positives in the second half to take it into this game.”
Deans said that outside of stunning strikes from the Mariners- Anthony Caceres and Daniel McBreen as well as a lapse of concentration from the Jets at a Central Coast corner, he had been relatively pleased with Newcastle’s defensive performance.
“They were two of the best goals we-ve had scored against us all year and the third one was a set piece,” Deans said.
“I don-t think we got broken down to be honest. We didn-t get pulled around and they didn-t get in behind us and create numerous opportunities.
“I think defensively we weren-t too bad, but we probably could have put a bit more pressure on the ball to prevent the first two goals.”
Deans said one of the positives to come out of the match was the impact made by half-time substitute Andrew Hoole.
“It was difficult for the boys coming back from the Olyroos. Josh Brillante and Andrew Hoole shared a game and Adam Taggart got through about an hour which was a good effort from him,” Deans said.
“Hoole was fantastic and I think his performance makes it pretty difficult to leave him out now.
“He was given the task to go out and make it difficult for them and I think his ability to beat people, dribble with the ball and create some opportunities was really good.
“If he can add some goal scoring to that as well, that would be handy.”
Deans said the Jets needed to adapt quickly to the playing system being implemented by interim head coach Clayton Zane ahead of a difficult test against the second-placed Western Sydney Wanderers this weekend.
“Defensively we need to maintain our structure, make sure we-re difficult to beat, apply pressure in the right areas and limit the opportunities we allow them,” Deans said.
“They-re a very experienced team and they-ve got some real quality in the front third, so we need to make sure we-re switched on.
“It-s always difficult when you have a change of coach and it effects different people in different ways.
“Every coach that comes in has their own spin on things, so obviously Clayton had a few little things that he-d like to change and that doesn-t always happen overnight.
“The quicker we can make it happen, the better. There are no excuses from here on in, whatever the tactics are and whoever is chosen to play, need get the job done.”
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Hunter Stadium
Saturday, February 1
Kick-off 7.45pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
