Newcastle Jets coach Mark Jones was left frustrated after he felt his side did enough to take all three points against Melbourne Victory, but had to settle for a point in a cagey 0-0 draw on Monday night.
In a rescheduled clash due to catastrophic heat conditions in the Hunter over the weekend, the Jets dominated the first half at McDonald Jones.
Jets, Victory share the spoils in Newcastle
Victory created some opportunities of their own after the break but neither side could land a knockout blow.
The Jets are now back in the top six, but are six points behind fifth placed Perth Glory with a pack of teams nipping at Newcastle’s heels ahead of Round 20 this weekend.
“I’m very frustrated that we didn’t win the game. In the general balance of play, I thought we had more shots and more crosses,” Jones told Fox Sports.
“We had enough possession and did enough to win the game.”
Jones, however, praised his side’s ability to counter the Victory press, one which saw striker Besart Berisha have to work extremely hard off the ball all night for the visitors.
“We knew we could play out through them and we wanted to make Berisha work and play against the press, which I think we did quite well,” Jones said.
“And once we get the ball and keep possession, we’re a dangerous football team.”
The Jets have a quick turnaround, facing Adelaide on Friday night at Coopers followed by a crucial F3 derby the following weekend in what could be a pivotal clash for their hopes of finals football.
“It’s a good time for us,” he added.
“We’ve got to seize the moment and we’ve a great opportunity to make the six if we play well.”
