Adam Taggart believes a win against Sydney FC at Hunter Stadium tomorrow night can be the catalyst for the Jets’ return to form.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Adam Taggart believes a win against Sydney FC at Hunter Stadium tomorrow night can be the catalyst for the Jets- rediscovering their early season form.
Both the Jets and Sydney FC have struggled with their performances in recent weeks and Taggart said that both teams would be looking towards this fixture as a big opportunity to get their respective seasons back on track.
“It-s a really big game coming up for both teams, I think it-s exciting and it-s also a bit of a derby, so you can-t really ask for much more,” Taggart said.
“It-s a big opportunity for us (to get our season back on track), but they-re going to be going for it as well.”
Taggart said a win against the Sky Blues would have a knock-on effect for the following weeks.
“We just need a bit of luck to get a winning streak and get back on a roll again,” he said.
“As a team, you just need that one goal and everyone will get the feeling that when they-re in front of goal they-re actually going to score.
“I think it-s the same with winning. Once you get one win, you get on a roll, you get used to the feeling of winning and it becomes more of a routine more than anything else.”
Taggart said he hoped to bring some of the confidence he gained from his recent experience with the Socceroos back to the Jets.
“I think coming back from international duty has given me a lot of confidence personally, so hopefully I can bring as much of that back to the team as possible and try and support and help everyone else.”
Taggart was on Young Socceroos duty when the last encounter between the two sides took place, with the Jets securing a 3-2 win in front of 35,419 fans at Allianz Stadium.
“I was away at the time, but I watched it on TV and it looked like a great game and a great atmosphere,” Taggart said.
“Playing against a big player like (Alessandro) Del Piero is what we all want to do and see how you can compare with the best, so playing against him will be really exciting for me personally.”
Another big crowd is expected for Saturday-s match, with ticket sales indicating that the Jets are on track for their biggest home attendance since the 2007/08 Championship-winning season.
“A big crowd is what we all want and as players it-s something that we have to step up to,” Taggart said.
“The bigger the crowd, the better and I think the more support we get, the easier it will be.
“For us at home, in front of our Members and supporters and with the boys working really hard at training this week, I don-t see why we can-t come away with the win.”
Those planning to attend Saturday’s game are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets from PROticket to secure the best seats and avoid queues on the day.
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Saturday, December 22
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
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.
