Assistant Coach Craig Deans discusses last weekend’s disappointing result against Sydney FC as well as this weekend’s tough trip to Wellington.
Another disappointing result for the team on Saturday night, going down 2-1 to Sydney FC in front of our home crowd.
We were confident going into the match as we had trained well all week. I felt the boys displayed some quality football in the first half – especially Jeremy Brockie burying that wonderful volley in the back of the net.
Regrettably, the half time break seemed to take our momentum away from us.
We didn-t apply enough pressure during the second half and with the experience that Sydney FC have among their players, we let them run away with the game.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley was sidelined due to a sore hamstring he received during training the day before. It did, however, give young Taylor Regan a chance to make the starting eleven again and he played exceptionally well.
I-d have to say he was one of the better players on the whole field – our Sydney visitors included.
Disappointingly, Jobe Wheelhouse was sent off in the latter end of the game, forcing the team to work harder to fill that eleventh position. I felt our energy did increase but Sydney capitalized on the ten man weakness and stole our victory.
Gary has been looking to make some alterations to our team formation in the coming weeks to gain some points on the ladder board. Having suffered a few losses recently, we-ll be working on new ideas and changes to boost the intensity of the boys- game in the hope of winning our next few matches.
All of which will only pay off if we maintain our principles – keeping the same movement, ball handling and intensity on the field. This will be key to our success in order to make the finals.
This week we travel across the ditch to meet Wellington Phoenix. It is a difficult trip to New Zealand but we can-t use that as an excuse; we-ll be training hard throughout the week and will be looking for a win.
The Jets are prepared for a tough and physical match against the Phoenix. We underestimated them in the first round and we were defeated. This is our chance to even the score.
Training will be focused on reviewing Wellington-s style of play and adjusting our game to force as many errors as we can. Phoenix is a very proud team and will be hungry for this win as we sit separated on the ladder by a mere two points.
Here-s to an early Christmas present – our Newcastle Jets returning home with a win.
Craig
