The Jets are on track to record their biggest home crowd of the 2012/13 season when they take on Western Sydney on Friday.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets are on track to record their biggest home crowd of the 2012/13 regular season when they take on Western Sydney Wanderers in a must-win game at Hunter Stadium on Good Friday.
There will be plenty at stake for both sides during the match, with the Jets requiring nothing less than all three points to clinch a finals berth, while the Wanderers need at least a draw to secure the Premiers- Plate.
The Jets recorded an attendance of 17,402 when Alessandro Del Piero and Sydney visited in round 12, but tickets sales this week indicate that Friday-s blockbuster clash with the Wanderers is on track to surpass this figure.
“We know there-s going to be a large contingent of the Wanderers- fan base coming up to the Hunter and the challenge for us is to ensure our fan base is bigger and louder,” Jets head coach Gary van Egmond said.
“It-s amazing how much that helps our players and the support it gives the boys on the field.
“It-s important that we don-t get drowned out by the Wanderers fan base and that the Newcastle faithful really stand up.
“Being in front on the scoreboard is always going to help that, but it-s also a testament to the fans that when their team is down they keep on supporting you as well.
“No matter what the score is, it-s important that we have the full support for the whole 90 minutes through our fan base of Members and supporters.”
There is sure to be no shortage of drama and entertainment for the big home crowd in attendance, with the Jets likely to take the initiative and push forward in search of victory.
Van Egmond said the Jets would have to be wary of the Wanderers- slick transitional play, to ensure they don-t get caught short at the back.
“You have to be a little bit sensible in your approach,” van Egmond explained.
“The one thing that the Wanderers are very good at is counter-attacking football, especially with the likes of Youssouf Hersi and Mark Bridge.
“They can get into good little areas and they can hurt you, so we have to be pretty vigilant that when we attack, our rest defence is spot on.
“I think them only needing a draw suits them to a degree. Most games they play pretty much counter-attacking football.
“They really do hurt you on the counter and they-re extremely effective at it, so that-s going to be very important on Friday that we get that right.”
Jets supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets for Friday’s do-or-die clash with the Wanderers from PROticket to secure the best seats and avoid queues on the day.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
