Newcastle Jets v Canberra United
Saturday 15 November 2014
Jack McLaughlin Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 3pm
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This contest between two high quality teams in Newcastle is shaping as pivotal to the top-four standings when the dust settles on the regular-season campaign in a few weeks time.
Canberra currently have a tenuous hold on second, although four points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle. However, the Jets have a game in hand and victory here would change everything. This is a classic six-pointer if ever there was one.
The teams are surprisingly yet to meet so far this campaign. The Jets have a shocking record against United winning just once in their 11 matches, and even that was in their first meeting way back in 2008.
Newcastle, though, have the personnel to see off Canberra despite the visitors recent strong form. The Jets will be boosted by reinforcements now that the Westfield Young Matildas have finished their commitments, with goalkeeper Hannah Southwell a particularly valuable option between the sticks.
United, for their part, seem to have put their poor mid-season form behind them. Last week’s 3-0 win over Sydney FC was as comprehensive as it gets, with the Sky Blues rarely looking as outplayed.
United know a win here at Jack McLaughlin Oval in Edgeworth will put one hand on shoring up second place and with it, a valuable home semi-final.
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Hannah Southwell, 2. Georgia Yeoman-Dale, 3. Hayley Crawford, 5. Katherine Reynolds, 6. Angela Salem, 7. Tori Huster, 8. Amber Neilson, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Emily van Egmond, 11. Rhali Dobson, 12. Sophie Nenadovic, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Grace McIntyre, 20. Claire Coelho (GK), 24. Brooke Miller
Ins: Hannah Southwell (Westfield Young Matildas), Brooke Miller (promoted)
Outs: Libby Copus-Brown, Renee Rudder (both omitted)
Unavailable: Ashley Spina (knee – season)
Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Tegan RIDING, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 18. Rebecca KITING, 20. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS
Ins: Rebecca Kiting (promoted)
Outs: none
Unavailable: Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – season)
