The Newcastle Jets have put in a strong performance against the Capital PS4 National Premier League’s (NPL) Canberra Olympic, running out 5 – 0 winners at Deakin Stadium, Canberra.
From the outset it was clear that Olympic were up for the challenge, playing with early possession and looking to dictate proceedings.
However, it was short lived for the gutsy NPL side, as the Jets quickly amassed a two-goal advantage thanks to a first-half brace from Wayne Brown (13’ and 16’).
Brown was ably supported by Dimi Petratos, with some classy touches early in the first stanza he was a handful for the Olympic defence. Marksman Roy O’Donovan, wasn’t far from the action with a few close chances in the early in the match.
Despite Olympic’s best efforts and possession late in the first half, they were unable to penetrate the defence of Boogaard and Topor-Stanley – with Jack Duncan making some handy saves in front of goal.
Working out of defence Daniel Georgievski performed strongly, linking up nicely with Wayne Brown for his second goal and providing options in attack for the Jets as they looked to push forward.
The Jets third would come following the half-time interval, as Roy O’Donovan (50’) enjoyed some crisp service through the middle as he drove home the visitors advantage.
Wayne Brown was unlucky not to finish with a hat trick, with a number of near misses and quality saves from the Olympic keeper in the second half.
Coach Ernie Merrick rang in the changes with just under half an hour left to play as Hoffman, Jackson, Champness, Cowburn and K. Petratos entered the fold for the Jets.
It would be Joe Champness (64’) who would continue his goal-scoring run, putting one into the back of the net in his first minute on field. That effort would be followed by another from the youngster (77’) as the Jets finished up 5 – 0 winners.
From the Coach
Jet’s boss, Ernie Merrick rapt the performance of the home side, despite the one sided scoreline.
“I don’t think the scoreboard is a true reflection of how the match played out,” said Merrick.
“Olympic are a well coached side and they were up for tonight’s game, they gained control of possession and caused us some problems at the end of the first half.
“I think the boys came out with a better attitude in the second half and we started playing through the middle in particular, less long passes and more short movements – resulting in more chances in the box.”
When quizzed on the strong individual performances, Merrick couldn’t go past his goal scorers.
“Joe Champness was able to pick up two goals in his 25 minute spell, Wayne Brown was very impressive in the number 10 role tonight and Roy continues to show he’s a regular and consistent goal scorer,” added Merrick.
“The backline was also impressive and Jack performed well, clean sheets are important and those guys were great tonight.
“Topor-Stanley and Boogaard were strong, Ivan Vujica showed he’ll be challenging for a fullback role and Daniel Georgievski has been an excellent signing for us.”
