F3 Derby goalscorer Steven Ugarkovic has paid tribute to Newcastle Jets’ passionate traveling contingent of fans who made their way to Central Coast Stadium on Sunday.
Ugarkovic, who scored his first goal for the club in the 57th minute of the contest, spoke to local press following first team recovery at Newcastle Ocean Baths on Monday morning.
The former NK Osijek midfielder told media that the support from the stands helped spur the team on to their first F3 Derby victory in Gosford since 2008.
“It was a great derby,” Ugarkovic said. “Our fans, the away fans, were great.”
“They had big numbers which was good, they were behind us, and just the whole atmosphere was amazing.”
“The fans were just amazing in those last fifteen minutes and after the game … it means a lot to us,” he said.
“It’s broken kindly for Ugarkovic and he scores! His first goal for the Jets and they lead the F3 Derby!” – Simon Hill“Cool as a cucumber Steve Ugarkovic … the Jets go one clear!” – Andy Harper
Posted by Newcastle Jets on Sunday, 28 February 2016
Ugarkovic’s goal was the third of his professional career after he struck in both the Croatian Cup and League for his former club.
He said he anticipated that Morten Nordstrand’s pass would find him despite the defensive attention of the Mariners backline and in particular Josh Rose.
“I was expecting it to come through and it did,” Ugarkovic explained. “So then I just had to stay calm and finish it.”
“In Croatia I scored a goal in the quarterfinals of the Cup, and one in a league game.”
“The goal was great to top it [the win] off with.”
Jets will play their next match away to Perth Glory on Monday 7 March knowing a win would lift them above their opponents, Kenny Lowe’s purple-whites.
“They [Perth Glory] are very dangerous going forward, but we will look at them this week and see where their weaknesses are,” Ugarkovic concluded.Â
