It was a second win for Craig Deans’ side in Round 4 of the Westfield W-League as the Jets recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Back-to-back wins now have the Jets sitting in fourth position as they head into a run of tough games against Brisbane (H), City (H) and Perth (A).
A-LEAGUE: Fearnley gives inspiring address
W-LEAGUE: Gilliland returns
Here’s what we learnt at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night:
Will to win
Craig Deans earmarked this as a must win game in the lead up to Round 4, laying down the challenge for his side to take three points in a fixture that they were expected to win.
And win they did. They’ll be the first to admit it wasn’t their most polished of performances, but the Jets showed the grit and determination to win tough.
Overall the Jets were dominant, but struggled to convert that onto the scoresheet in the first half. In the end Jenna Kingsley’s 60th minute goal proved enough and the Jets took all three.
Dynamic duo
There was no one happier to have Emily van Egmond back on deck than Katie Stengel, as the Matilda returned from a minor knee complaint.
Affectionately known as her ‘werk wifey’, Stengel picked up where they left off in the opening round of the season as they caused plenty of havoc for the Wanderers’ defence.
With some more game time under their belt and the welcome addition of Arin Wright, their combination and the Jets forward line is looking formidable this season.
Keepin’ it clean
Something that can be easily overshadowed by the action at the other end is the Club’s second clean sheet on the trot.
Britt Eckerstrom has been enormous between the sticks, picking up where she left off last season and has been well aided by Cass Davis, Hannah Brewer and Gema Simon in defence.
The Jets may welcome back Larissa Crummer should she prove her fitness this week, which could see Taylor Smith push upfield and Hannah Brewer return to her preferred role at fullback.
