Adelaide United have beaten Newcastle Jets 2-0, with late goals from Cristiano. Both teams created early opportunities and the game looked like it was setting up to be a real battle. However, midway into the first half Adam Griffiths had to come off after picking up an injury, and 6 minutes later was followed by his brother, Joel Griffiths also with injury concerns. This was further worsened when Jesper Hakansson and Jason Hoffman came off at half time taking the Newcastle Jets down to 10 men.
The Jets had a few good chances to score but Galekovic was in fine form making two amazing saves. Newcastle continued to hold on and looked like they would at least salvage a point, however this was not to be. Adelaide’s persistence in front of goal eventually paid off, and Ante Covic’s clearance error gave them their second.
It was a hard game to watch for Jets fans but a fair result. It will be interesting to see what selections van Egmond makes next week given that a few star Jets may be missing.
Newcastle Jets will be looking to collect another three points this week to help them re-mount their title challenge.
Despite Adelaide United’s heavy schedule this month, they have continued to perform well and are full of confidence after winning against Kashima Antlers this week.
The Energy Australia Stadium turf war between Newcastle Knights, and Newcastle Jets has continued this week. Newcastle Jets owner Con Constantine spoke out this week accusing the Knights of trying to damage the credibility of the A-League side. Constantine has said that he is happy to split Stadium bill, but only if this means he also gets 50% of Stadium profits.
Tarek Elrich has been approached to join the Lebanese National team but apparently has rejected the offer in favour of wearing Green and Gold.
In women’s news, the Newcastle Jets have signed Sammie Wood to play in their Australian Women’s League team.
Newcastle Jets have recorded their first win of the season, beating Queensland Roar 1-0, thanks to a late opportunistic goal by Joel Griffiths. Joel reportedly had stepped up at training this week, taking a leadership role with the attacking players. So, it was fitting that his commitment and motivation resulted in his first goal in three weeks and Newcastle’s first win.
Queensland Roar outplayed the Jets for most of the game, and Charlie Miller was unlucky to put Queensland ahead and break their long standing curse, but Newcastle stuck in and were able to salvage the points due to a mistake by Liam Reddy on a corner.
It looks like Newcastle’s luck is beginning to change!
Queensland Roar will be out to get some points againt the Jets after losing in the last four appearances between these two teams.
This is also a critical game for the Jets who are yet to win a game this season. If they want to contest their title they will need to win in order to get their season back on track.
Frank Farina’s squad does have a few personnel concerns with Josh McCloughan and Isaka Cernak out, which should make Gary van Egmond a little happier.
But the Jets players will still need to be at their best as the Roar are surely going to come out extremely motivated.
