Newcastle Jets boss Phil Stubbins says he’s seen the same signs in his side this week ahead of the club’s clash with Adelaide United that he saw last week prior to the team’s 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
According to the former Adelaide Assistant Coach this augurs well for a strong showing against the Reds this Sunday when the two outfits meet at Hunter Stadium in the final match of Hyundai A-League round 23.
But Stubbins is also acutely aware that against a team of the quality and class of Adelaide United, the Jets must rise to a substantial task.
“The final two sessions we had prior to the Western Sydney Wanderers game were of a good level in terms of energy, input and enthusiasm about the group, and that seems to have carried on,” Stubbins said. “It’s always good to witness that.”
“Today [Friday] we did some tactical stuff as well as some small-sided games and there was a good energy about it.
“I think if you look at their [Adelaide United’s] last game against Melbourne Victory, they played in a very good way.
“They sort of stamped themselves on the game against Victory, which is normally not the case.
“Adelaide sort of monstered Victory in a way that you don’t really expect.
“They’re a good side, we know that.
“But we’ve beaten them before at home this season, we’re coming off a win, it’s going to be a challenge for us.
“But I think if we can take the energy that we’ve had on the training paddock onto the pitch we’ll stand ourselves in good stead,” he said.
Should the Jets score at least one goal against Josep Gombau’s side, the club’s 300th Hyundai A-League goal will have been recorded.
Newcastle Jets vs. Adelaide United – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 23
Date: Sunday 29 March 2015
Stadium: Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 5:00pm
Tickets: www.JoinTheJets.org
Television: Live on FOX SPORTS 505
Radio: Live on ABC Grandstand & 1233 ABC Newcastle
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #NEWvADL @NewcastleJetsFC
