Gary van Egmond says he was pleased with what he saw in Wednesday’s behind closed doors trial match against the Mariners.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond says he was pleased with what he saw from the players who took part in Wednesday-s behind closed doors trial match against the Central Coast Mariners at Tuggerah.
The Jets controlled large portions of the match and notched a 2-1 victory courtesy of first half goals to Bernardo Ribeiro and Mitch Cooper.
Van Egmond used the fixture to give more playing time to the members of the Jets squad who hadn-t featured prominently in recent trial matches and he was happy with the outcome of the match.
“It was a good first half and there was a good tempo to the game,” he said.
“I think the boys did exceptionally well and it was good for them to get some extra minutes into their legs.
“There were no injuries, so it was a really good exercise for us.”
Van Egmond said the performance of those who featured in the trial against the Mariners indicated that there are no certain starters for Jets- opening game of the A-League season against Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium.
“Everyone is working hard and looking to force the issue of getting themselves into the squad or the starting XI,” he said.
“After what I would call a disappointing game on the weekend, I think there were some players out there who did quite well.”
Van Egmond will get to have another look at his squad playing under match conditions when they go up against each other in an intra-club trial match at Thomas and Coffey Park in Weston on Saturday.
“Our game against Sydney has been called off, but we have an intra-club game coming up now,” he said.
“Hopefully that will help us determine who-s going to get themselves into that squad and look to start in Round 1 against Adelaide.”
Match details:
Intra-club Trial
Saturday, September 22
Thomas and Coffey Park, Weston
Kick-off 10am (Gates open 8.30am)
Free entry
