With just two matches left to play in the regular season of the Westfield W-League, things are heating up as the race for a top four spot intensifies.
The Newcastle Jets are one of five teams jostling for a spot in the Final Series, and will play in two fixtures over the final fortnight that will have a big impact on the make up final four.
The Jets take on Canberra United in Round 13 at McKellar Park and finish the home-and-away season against Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Craig Deans’ chargers will be ruing a missed opportunity after a last-start loss to cellar dwellers, Adelaide United – with other Round 11 results meaning a finals spot could have been all but secured.
“We were obviously disappointed with that result, but we didn’t deserve to win, Adelaide wanted it more and came out with the right attitude,” said Deans.
“That was the difference in the end, but we’ve had a couple of weeks to work on things and prepare ourselves for a big push for the finals.”
The favourable results included a scoreless draw between competition heavyweights Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City, as well as a high scoring 4 – 4 draw between Perth Glory and Canberra – all but knocking the Sam Kerr led side out of finals contention.
“Things have fallen our way in terms of results but, we’ve still got to go out there and get the job done against two quality teams,” added Deans.
“It’s nice to know that our fate is in our own hands and we don’t need to rely on other results to secure a spot.”
As it stands, a win in the nation’s capital this weekend will see the Jets qualify, with a top two finish still possible but an unlikely result.
It would be the first time the club has been involved in finals football since the competition’s inaugural season in 2007/08.
“It’s exciting prospect for the girls, the club and the community,” said Deans.
“We set goals for ourselves at the start of the season and we’ve been working hard to achieve them.
“Canberra has as much to play this weekend as we do, they’re a quality side and we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be tough
“For us it’s about getting the job done when it counts, which is the mentality you need if you want to be successful in a Final Series.”
Jets Westfield W-League fixtures:
Canberra United – Sunday 28 January, kick-off 4.30pm
Melbourne City – Saturday 3 February, kick-off 8.15pm
