Taylor Regan says there is no room for complacency when the Jets take on Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium tonight.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Taylor Regan says there is no room for complacency when the Jets take on Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on Wednesday night.
Newcastle face the bottom-placed Phoenix in what is shaping as a vital encounter for both clubs.
A win for the Jets would see them solidify their spot in the A-League-s top six, while a win for Wellington would keep their slim finals hopes alive.
“You-ve got to show them respect,” Regan said.
“Over in Wellington they-re a very good side and we know they-ve got dangerous players all over the park who can hurt you.
“We have to be smart about how we play the game, but we-re going there for nothing less than three points also, so it should be an interesting battle.”
Regan said the Jets will have to play with pride and passion to break their barren run of form at Westpac Stadium, which sees them winless at the venue since 2007.
“I think an A-League team has to replicate and sort of mirror what their community is about,” Regan said.
“I think Newcastle people have that tough mentality and that hard work ethic and that-s what we need to show out on the pitch.
“Gary has sort of said to us that (Newcastle) is a hard working community and all they want is a team that-s willing to put their body on the line and work hard.
“That-s what we-re doing and it-s paying off at the moment.”
Regan said he is looking forward to coming up against his close friend and former teammate Jeremy Brockie.
“He-s scored a lot of goals this season and he-s in some good form,” Regan said.
“We-ll be desperate to keep another clean sheet and keeping him quiet will go a long way to doing that.
“It comes down to dedication and hard work. I think it-s a team performance that keeps a clean sheet, not just the back four or an individual.
“As long as we work hard, stay compact and keep clean sheets, we give ourselves every opportunity to get three points from every match.”
