After an opening round defeat to underdogs, and now league leaders Adelaide, few thought the Newcastle United Jets had the class to finish in the top 4 and make the finals. Now, the Jets lay third (equal 2nd on 24pts with Sydney) on goal difference behind Sydney, and are the in form team in the competition, having not lost in 7 games; winning no less than 5.
Come early September, with the competition just started, Newcastle had their first local derby to contend with, away against the Central Coast. In a fiery encounter, both on and off the field, the score finished level (1-1) after 90 minutes, leaving the small group of travelling Squadron members (Newcastle’s main support group) happy.
The third round saw Newcastle come up against “glamour club” Sydney FC, and Dwight Yorke. The Squadron were in fine voice as the Jets played some scintillating football, beating the Sydney-spiders, 2-1. The Jets took a 2-0 lead into half time with some brilliant exchanges of close passing in and around the box, with Ante Milicic and former QPR player Richard Johnson, rounding off some fine passing moves. Inevitably, Dwight Yorke scored a consolation in the second half to give the travelling Cove (Sydney’s support group) something to cheer about.
The following week saw the Jets dish out a 4-0 hammering to whipping boys the New Zealand Knights. Striker Labinot Haliti, and midfielder’s Matthew Thompson, Stuart Musualik and star player Nick Carle (pen) all getting on the scoresheet. Nick Carle showed in this game why he is wanted by clubs in Asia, with his superb vision and accurate passing, as well as his magical skills, one can see this player going a long way in the future.
After the reasonable start to the season, the Jets were brought back down to earth with a shuddering halt, losing their next 3 games, including a 5-1 hammering at home to Perth Glory. Melbourne Victory, with Archie Thompson (Australian International), showed why they are also a contender for the title, with the Australian International heading past Jets goalkeeper, Liam Reddy, late in the second half. It was exactly what Melbourne deserved in a game they dominated, although a controversial off-side early in the game robbed striker Ante Milicic and Newcastle of the early lead. The Queensland Roar also beating the Jets at home, 1-0, after a scrappy battle, in which both teams struggled to retain possession and pose attacking threats. The loss of play maker Nick Carle in the first half, to a controversial red-card, didn’t help Newcastle’s cause.
Newcastle, after three losses in a row, needed a change in fortunes; and few thought it would come against league leaders Adelaide United. But the Newcastle Jets put in a sterling performance to beat The Reds 4-2, in possibly the game of the season to date. In particular, Nick Carle had an outstanding game, grabbing two of the four goals, one on the counter attack deep into stoppage time. Ned Zelic, Newcastle’s captain and a player who was once seen to be the best player to leave our shores, scored his first goal for the club, making it 3-2. The delight on the skippers face was there for all to see as he lead the team to their resurgence; one which would see them unbeaten for a further 6 games.
After possibly the best game of the season, came arguably the biggest game of the season for Newcastle supporters. It was derby day, and the Central Coast had brought a large contingent of travelling fans to help add to the heated atmosphere. In a rather poor game, mainly down to the shocking state of the pitch, both teams struggled for the upper hand, which is seen so often in derby matches. Most of the attention was centred around the off-field battle between the Squadron and the Marinators (Central Coasts main supporters group). In the dying minutes, though, Franco Parisi, Newcastle super-sub and the Squadron’s adopted son, blasted into an open net sending the Squadron and the home crowd into raptures. This also left the Marinators with a dour and depressing trip home.
Round 10 saw Newcastle travel to Sydney for another, less passionate derby, and the Squadron were their in good voice again. This was the start of a 5 game away streak in which the Jets amazingly drew 2 and won 3 against tough opposition. In wet and trying conditions, the game failed to hit any major heights in the first half, with both teams struggling to retain possession. The highlight of the first half would have to have been “shoes off if you love the Jets” which certainly earnt the travelling supporters some obscene looks. The second half burst into life, with David Carney of Sydney FC putting the home team in front, after a deflected shot left Jet’s goalkeeper flat-footed. This sparked Newcastle into life, and within minutes, super-sub Franco Parisi set Milicic up with the equaliser, sending Newcastle fans wild. The game ended at one all, a good result away against the “glamour club”.
With Newcastle full of confidence, the Novocastrians went into their game against the New Zealand Knights overwhelming favourites. Newcastle raced into a 4-0 lead within 60 minutes, striker Ante Milicic bagging a brilliant hattrick to take him to the top of the goal scorer’s chart. Two late consolation goals from youngster Brockie put some respectability into the score line, although the Jets could have, and should have won by more.
Back to Olympic Park, the home of Melbourne Victory, where the Jets scraped out a 0-0 draw after struggling for fluency and cohesion most of the match.
Next, Newcastle were off to Queensland, against a team struggling for goals. Matthew Thompson scored the only goal of the game just after the half hour mark; giving Newcastle another deserved 3 points.
The final game of Newcastle’s gruelling 5 game away streak was against Perth, at the Members Equity Stadium. In front of a disappointing crowd of just over 7, 000, Newcastle won again, thanks to a 47th minute goal by new signing Vaughan Coveny.
With the Jets lying in third place, and Newcastle’s remaining fixtures close to home; they only have to travel to the Central Coast and Sydney, the Jets are perfectly placed to take out the inaugural A-League title. With the blockbuster, top of the table clash versus Adelaide this Friday night, one feels this game could decide who takes out the competition. If the Jets lose they will be 8 points behind; but if they win, they will be just 2 points behind the league leaders. It’s been an eventful season so far, and things are only going to get more interesting!
Jets Winning Streak Comes to an End
Newcastle United’s 7 match unbeaten run came to abrupt end last night at Energy Australia Stadium against league leaders Adelaide United. In terrible conditions, The Reds ran out 2-1 victors over Newcastle; all three goals coming in an entertaining, although scrappy second half.
With a healthy crowd of just over 10, 000 braving the elements, The Squadron helped bring some Christmas cheer, donning Santa Hats and singing Christmas carols before the match had begun. They also payed a timely tribute to the terrific Socceroos as the national anthem was belted out in and around Bay 2.
The match started in good and competitive fashion, with both teams showing why they are at the top of the Hyundai A-League. The first clear cut chance of the game fell to Matthew Thompson, who hesitated in front of goal, and the chance was lost.
Before this, however, the Jets thought they had already taken the lead. Nicky Carle swung in a corner which was only half cleared to the edge of the 18 yard box, where Johnson fired in an unstoppable shot to the delight of the home crowd. The goal, though, was disallowed because of an apparent push, although the video replay’s struggled to find a foul. This was one of a host of unconvincing referring decisions.
As the weather set in, Adelaide started to play the brand of football they like to play; the long ball to Veart’s head. The weather certainly aided the visitors, as the Jets struggled to find their free flowing style of football.
Adelaide then won an unconvincing penalty, which Veart duly dispatching from the spot. The referee, however, spotted some encroachment from Adelaide players, and ordered the spot kick to be taken again. This time, goalkeeper Reddy guessed right and made an outstanding two handed save. The first half ended with the score at 0-0 and spectators running for cover away from the ferocious storm.
The second half started in much the same way as the first half ended although Newcastle almost took a spectacular lead. The ball was played quickly out from the back to Nicky Carle. Carle, who was cheered every time he got the ball by the Squadron, then showed superb vision and brilliant accuracy as he picked out Thompson whose first touch set up was perfect for striker Ante Milicic. Milicic hit an unstoppable half volley against the post and had that found the back of the net, it would have surely been one of the goals of the season.
Newcastle eventually took the lead in the 60th minute, through Richard Johnson. Thompson had made a brilliant run and supplied the perfect cross for Johnson, who duly converted, bringing Energy Australia Stadium alive.
Reddy then made an outstanding save to deny former Newcastle boy, Travis Dodd, tapping a brilliant effort onto the bar. Adelaide were certainly coming back into the game, though, and Veart grabbed the equaliser in the 76th minute. This, after he was still lucky to be on the park after a horrendous challenge on goalkeeper Liam Reddy.
Adelaide took the deserved lead, after showing more urgency following Newcastle’s opening goal, in the 80th minute, with a scrappy but decisive strike, which silenced the home crowd.
The Jets, though, will be disappointed to have let their lead slip in front of their home crowd, knowing that a win would have really given them a shot at the minor premiership.
Full time was met by a chorus of boo’s, not necessarily at the Newcastle performance, but more so at the referee who managed to make some bewildering decisions that certainly altered the outcome of the match.
The Jets are now 8pts behind Adelaide (although do have 3 games in hand), and look to be out of the running for the minor premiership, and if Sydney lose or draw over the weekend, one can only see Adelaide claiming the inaugural A-League title.
Newcastle Jets: http://www.newcastleunited.com.au/
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