Newcastle Jets continued their impressive Hyundai A-League pre-season campaign after a 5-0 win over PS4 Canberra NPL side Canberra Olympic on Tuesday night.
STORY OF THE GAME
►While the home side started well at Deakin Stadium, the Jets scored twice in the opening 16 minutes through Englishman Wayne Brown.
►It wasn’t until five minutes into the second-half that Newcastle got their third through striker Roy O’Donovan.
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►Coach Ernie Merrick rang the changes in the second half, bringing on Jason Hoffman, Lachlan Jackson, Joe Champness, Nick Cowburn and Kosta Petratos for game time.
►And youngster Champness would get the final two goals, coming in the 64th and 77th minutes respectively.
MERRICK’S THOUGHTS ON PERFORMANCE
“I don’t think the scoreboard is a true reflection of how the match played out,” the Jets boss said.
“Olympic are a well coached side and they were up for tonight’s game, they gained control of possession and caused us some problems at the end of the first half.
“I think the boys came out with a better attitude in the second half and we started playing through the middle in particular, less long passes and more short movements – resulting in more chances in the box.”
“Joe Champness was able to pick up two goals in his 25 minute spell, Wayne Brown was very impressive in the number 10 role tonight and Roy continues to show he’s a regular and consistent goal scorer,” added Merrick.
“The backline was also impressive and Jack performed well, clean sheets are important and those guys were great tonight.”
