Sam Gallaway says the Jets are remaining optimistic of getting a positive result from a difficult away trip to Western Sydney on Sunday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Sam Gallaway says the task of facing Western Sydney Wanderers in front of their home crowd this Sunday is a tough challenge, but the Jets are remaining optimistic of getting a result.
Gallaway said the Jets were under no illusion of the assignment ahead of them, but would approach the match with a positive mindset.
“Yeah it-s going to be a tough game, especially going down there with the crowd,” Gallaway said.
“We really need to take some risks because we need to score goals but in saying that we have also got to keep the defence intact.
“They-ve got a lot of good players who can really dominate you up front and score goals, so we really need to be aware of that but in saying that we need to take risks because we need to score.
“They are always a tough team to play and hopefully we can go down there and get a win or at least get some points and that will really lift our season and maybe we can start a little bit of a revival.”
The Wanderers are second on the Hyundai A-League ladder but face a midweek Asian Champions League fixture on Wednesday night and Gallaway suggested that could have an impact on the home side.
“Hopefully they play a team that has travelled a lot, I-m not sure who-s going to play but hopefully they-re a bit fatigued from the game and that will be a good thing for us,” he said.
Gallaway believes the addition of former Socceroos defender David Carney to the squad has lead to him stepping-up his performances as he looks to secure his spot in the left fullback position.
Gallaway has been amongst the Jets- best in recent weeks with his exceptional work rate and combativeness but admits he still has plenty of improvement left to do.
“To be fair I-m not really happy with my own performances early on in the season, I think I had a good game against Brisbane and I played alright against Sydney, so I-m happy with those two performances,” Gallaway said.
“More focusing on going forward and trying to get the ball and getting more balls into the box, I just didn-t think I was doing enough of it.”
Although Carney made his debut on the left wing for the Jets on the weekend, he was a regular for the Socceroos at left fullback, which is something that is not lost on Gallaway.
“Obviously you-ve got to keep on your toes, there-s always someone trying to take your position and early in the year me and Jacob Pepper had a bit of that,” he said.
“With Carney coming in he-s a good left back, played for the Socceroos at left back, so of course I-ve got to lift my game.
“I think I-ve done that now, played a few good games and that-s probably what I did need, someone to push my position and make me play a bit better.”
