Scott Neville has been impressive in the opening four rounds and has looked dangerous in attack, pushing forward from fullback.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Scott Neville has expressed his relief after scoring the team-s first goal of the season against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night at Hunter Stadium.
Neville poked home the Jets first goal of the campaign from six yards after a scramble inside the Mariners box, sending Hunter Stadium into raptures.
The relief on the players faces was evident after enduring a frustrating fortnight of missed opportunities against Perth and Wellington.
“It was long overdue, the ball just popped up and I just tapped it in, it wasn-t very hard I think anyone could have scored,” Neville admitted.
“I think you could see by all the emotions in every players face and even Gary and the coaching staff.
“It was good to get the monkey off the back, just disappointed we didn-t carry on and get the three points.”
Despite breaking their goal scoring duck, Neville felt the players were disappointed that they didn-t win the game when they had the chance.
“Yeah definitely two points dropped more than one point gained, when your two-nil up at home against Central Coast especially,” he said.
“We-ve got to do better at holding onto the lead and even going on scoring three or four goals and really burying them.”
After a difficult debut season with the Jets in 2012/13, Neville has been Gary Van Egmond-s first choice at right fullback after a strong pre-season.
The former Perth Glory captain has been impressive in the opening four rounds and has looked dangerous in attack, pushing forward from fullback.
“It-s not something I-ve worked on, it-s part of my game usually, I just think last year it didn-t quite happen for me,” he said.
“I always seem to get in those situations, so if I can convert a couple more I-d be pretty happy or even if I could get a couple more assists as well.”
Neville was quick to praise the impact of home grown winger Andrew Hoole since coming into the team against Wellington last weekend.
Hoole-s aggression and willingness to run at players has been a feature of the Jets attack in recent weeks and earned him man of the match honors against the Mariners.
“Yeah Andy-s doing really well, I love playing with him out on the right, he-s a good player,” Neville said.
“He-s really quick, confident and has the ability to beat players and also link up and do his defensive duties as well. He-s a good addition to the team.”
The likely return of Emile Heskey for Saturday-s away match against Adelaide will add another dimension to the Jets attack and Neville believes his inclusion will provide the team with confidence going forward.
“The way he was training was excellent, the quicker he gets back the better for the whole team,” he said.
“Not only is he a threat going forward, but he-s also good on defensive duties from corners and set pieces as well.
“He-ll drag defenders when we go forward and that will help people like Adam Taggart, Andrew Hoole and Burnsy get chances as well.”
