Assistant Coach Craig Deans discusses the Jets’ exciting win on Saturday and also looks ahead to the Mariners’ game this week.
The most exhilarating result came from Saturday-s game when we walked away with three points. Having just come off the back of two losses and a draw, it was great to steal the victory from Melbourne on home turf.
It was a very pleasing match played by all the boys, including those pulled off the bench. We started to develop a style of play that we have been working on with Gary in the last few weeks – and it paid off.
The attacking third played exceptionally well. Their patience with the ball and execution were second to none. Labinot Haliti scored his first goal of the season, which was great to see. He is such a hard worker on and off the field so I-m happy for him to get that result.
The consistency within the team on Saturday night was a massive contributor to our victory. It was a fantastic team effort and wonderful to watch play out.
Michael Bridges made his Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season debut, and even though he only featured ten minutes on the field, he managed to achieve a few good plays with the ball.
He-s been training hard the past six to eight weeks working on his fitness, and being such a quality player, he is only going to contribute more to the team as his match time increases.
Ben Kennedy was off the starting list, still recovering from the head injury against Brisbane Roar in Round Seven. However, Matthew Nash stepped in and filled his shoes, once again showcasing some great goal-keeping skills.
He made a few good saves and got us out of a few sticky situations. As for Ben, we will have to reassess his injury during the week and see if he is right to play this weekend against the Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium.
In preparation this week we will pin point the Mariners- strengths and hoping to create pressure through the midfield. Our passing over the last few weeks has not been as sharp and quick as we would like so that will be a focus in training also.
The F3 Derby is going to be a tough match – they always are. We were fortunate earlier in the season to walk away with the three points. But the Mariners are yet to be defeated since that game so hopefully we can create another upset for them.
Our plan is to control the game from the starting whistle and dictate the tempo of the game. The Mariners will head into the game confident as they sit second on the ladder. We will just be creating as many goal-scoring opportunities as possible and be prepared for a fiery match.
A massive thank you goes out to all our Members and fans that came and supported us on Saturday night against Melbourne Victory. It was unbelievable walking out onto the field and seeing the Newcastle banner flying high across the Eastern Grandstand.
The players and staff were blown away by the support, it was fantastic! We hope to see the members and fans again this weekend down at Bluetongue Stadium for what is anticipated to be an entertaining match.
Craig
