Dominik Ritter hopes to continue being an attacking presence at set-pieces after setting up Emile Heskey against Melbourne.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Dominik Ritter says he hopes to continue being an attacking presence at set-pieces after setting up Emile Heskey- second goal against Melbourne Victory last Friday night.
The Swiss import won a towering header at the far post to re-direct Jobe Wheelhouse-s corner back into the six-yard box for Heskey to finish from close range in the 57th minute.
Ritter almost scored himself from another corner a short time later, but he was unable to keep his header down.
He said he hoped to continue to cause problems for opposition defences at set-pieces.
“When I go forward for free-kicks and corners I hope I can score and I try my best,” he said.
“The first time was good because I was able to get my header to Emile and he scored.
“The second time, I tried to head it to the far post but was unlucky. Next time I hope I can do better.”
After a slow start to the contest, Ritter said instructions from head coach Gary van Egmond at half-time sparked the Jets into action.
“The first half was a little disappointing,” Ritter said.
“We were playing the wrong passes and should have put more pressure on because I felt that the Victory played very narrow from the beginning.
“In the second half Gary told us just to be confident and get our ball speed up, because in the first half it was very slow.
“We tried to play more football and move the ball quicker and it was good for us that we could score a goal early and then double it.”
The victory over Melbourne was Newcastle-s second home win in as many games and Ritter said the Jets are determined to make Hunter Stadium one of the toughest venues in the A-League for visiting teams.
“We-re very happy after the loss to Adelaide that we-ve been able to win at home two times in a row,” he said.
“It-s good for our fans, good for our confidence and we-re happy that we are a strong team at home.”
While the Jets are eager to turn Hunter Stadium into a fortress, they face one of the toughest road trips in the competition when they travel to Perth to take on the Glory on Saturday.
“It-s my first time travelling with this team on a plane and it-s a long trip but I-m looking forward to it,” Ritter said.
“We know Perth are a very strong team at home, but we-re in good shape at the moment having won three in a row, so we-ll be ready for it.”
