The Newcastle Jets moved into fifth place with their 1-nil win over Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.
The Newcastle Jets moved into fifth place with their 1-nil win over Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.
“Not just from the fact we have kept a clean sheet – performance-wise, it was excellent,” coach Gary van Egmond said after the game.
The coach was pleased the team were rewarded for their domination over last year-s champions, especially without injured marquee striker Emile Heskey in the line-up.
“It would have been a travesty if we didn’t get all three points tonight,” he said.
“We’ve seen how well Emile has played for us so to not have your marquee player was a test.
“To get a result when he’s not on the field will develop a lot of good character for this team.”
The Jets were also with Scott Neville due to injury (groin), and youth defender Andrew Hoole was brought into the team to make his A-League team.
It made it an even younger back four; Hoole (19), Taylor Regan (24), Connor Chapman (18) and Sam Gallaway (20).
“I thought the performance of the defence tonight was excellent,” van Egmond added.
“What some of the younger ones lack in experience, they definitely make up with attitude and work ethic.
“It is great to see that they are also starting to get a good understanding of the game.
“From that point of view it is very pleasing.”
The Jets have a challenging two weeks ahead; Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium next weekend, then over to Wellington to take on the Phoenix the week after.
