It was a tough start to the Liberty A-League for our Jets as they went down to Sydney in a challenging contest away from home.
While the team showed glimpses of promise and what they’re capable of, Head Coach Ash Wilson believes that the lack of quality in key moments proved to be the difference in the two-goal loss.
While the team didn’t get the result they wanted, there were plenty of positive displays including a great, determined goal from Lauren Allan, and the top performances from young local players, particularly debutant Kirsty Fenton and returnee Ash Brodigan.
“Kirsty is someone who’s come up through the Academy, she’s in that Future Matildas framework so for her to be able to go out and to play a full game, in her first A-League game, I’m really proud of her,” Wilson said.
“We’ve known what a talent she’s been for a long time. She’s usually a centre back so for her to take Gema Simon’s position while she injured is a real credit to the work she’s put in.
“Ash went away from this level and matured a lot as a footballer so it was really good to come in and train and trial and to work her way back into the squad.”
The side will now shift their focus to their first home clash of the season as the newly-formed Wellington Phoenix travel from Wollongong.
Wilson pointed out specific areas where the team needed to improve from the defeat in Kogarah if they are to walk away with the win this Friday evening.
“In key moments, we weren’t good enough,” she said.
“We didn’t start overly great, but I think we managed to build into the game and build some momentum.
“There were some really good patches of things we’d been working on which was pleasing to see.
“To be honest I think we were a victim of our own self. We were defending our own mistakes and that’s not good enough.”
It’s been almost 12 months since the team last ran out in McDonald Jones Stadium, and although the second-year head coach is confident the team has what it takes to collect all three points, she thinks the home crowd in provide even more motivation.
“It’s going to be fantastic,” she said.
“A double header with the boys so we always get a good crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“I think a home game is something the girls are going to look forward to and hopefully it gets them to go out and put on a good show.”
You can purchase tickets for this Friday’s Double Header here.
