Dominik Ritter says the Jets are feeling confident ahead of tonight’s F3 Derby clash with the Mariners at Hunter Stadium.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Dominik Ritter says the Jets are feeling confident ahead of tonight-s F3 Derby clash with the Central Coast Mariners at Hunter Stadium.
The Jets are currently in fourth place on the A-League ladder, but can move to within four points of the second-placed Mariners with a victory tonight.
“We-ve prepared very well and we-re looking forward to the game – it-s the F3 Derby and we know it-s going to be a tough game,” Ritter said.
“Obviously we won last time against Central Coast at home, but since then they-ve had a very good run and now they-re in first place.
“I-m really looking forward to it and I-m sure we can beat them and get the three points.
Ritter said he was expecting a typically intense derby atmosphere in front of a large and vocal Newcastle crowd.
“Hopefully there is a big crowd, especially with the youth team playing before us. I-m expecting a big crowd and a good game,” he said.
“Derbies are always special and if you can get a win out of a derby it means more for the fans.
“We ‘re playing at home so we-re going to attack them, we-re going to press them and try and get a win out of it.”
The Jets received seven yellow cards in their Round 9 match against Brisbane Roar, and Ritter said they will be looking to be more controlled with their aggression against the Mariners.
“There are yellow cards in football and it-s part of the game,” he said.
“The fact we conceded that many yellow cards last game was unlucky, but no one did it on purpose.
“Every player wants to win every challenge and sometimes you-re a step too late and get a yellow.
“We-re definitely going to give everything in the derby and we-re not worried about yellow cards.
“Everyone knows derbies are more intense and maybe there are more aggressive tackles between the players, but you just have to be careful.”
The Jets are without a number of key players due to injuries and suspension, but Ritter said those who come into the squad will be more than capable of getting the job done.
“We have a big squad and every player is good enough to start,” Ritter said.
“Obviously we have a few injured and suspended players, but we also have young players who are in good shape.
“We trained well this week and I-m pretty confident they-re going to do a good job.”
It is a double-header at Hunter Stadium this Saturday night. The Jets Youth team play the Central Coast Mariners Youth team prior to the A-League F3 Derby clash at 7.45pm.
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, December 8
Gates open: 4.50pm
National Youth League kick-off: 5pm
A-League kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Tickets from PROticket
Limited parking will be available for purchase at the car park entrances on game days for the remainder of the Jets 2012/13 season. Whilst there will be parking available for purchase, Hunter Venues does encourage patrons to pre-purchase their parking tickets at a PROticket outlet or online at www.proticket.com.au as parking is subject to availability.
