Scott Neville says back-to-back clean sheets against Hyundai A-League opposition has the Jets’ defence full of confidence.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Scott Neville says back-to-back clean sheets against Hyundai A-League opposition has the Jets- defence full of confidence with the season fast approaching.
The Jets backed up last Saturday-s 1-0 win over Sydney FC in Wollongong, with an identical result on the road against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Wednesday.
Neville said keeping a potent attacking side like the Victory scoreless was a positive sign for the Jets.
“From a defensive perspective it was good to get another clean sheet, especially against a team with a lot of attacking threats like Melbourne,” Neville said.
“We just made sure we followed Gary-s instructions by dropping off a little bit deeper and it seemed to work pretty well.
“I think Sammy and myself did a fairly good job of controlling their wingers, but it was a whole team effort with our midfielders and wingers blocking the pass and cutting off the service.”
Neville said the addition former Dutch international Kew Jaliens had brought added composure to a young Jets- backline.
“Kew-s excellent and I think the experience and knowledge he brings to the backline is really important,” Neville said.
“The way he communicates and how calm and collected he is on the ball rubs off on everyone else and is good for the whole team.”
While results count for bragging rights only at this point of the pre-season, Neville said it was important to build a winning culture at the Club.
“It-s good winning against A-League opposition, especially away from home,” he said.
“We can take a fair bit of confidence from the result on Wednesday because we showed a fair bit of character to come away with the win.”
