Wanderers should have ‘closed game off’ in first half: Bridge

Western Sydney favourite Mark Bridge has lamented a concentration lapse that saw his side draw 1-1 with the Jets in their Round 4 Hyundai A-League clash in Newcastle.

The former Jets star fired the Wanderers in front early in the contest at McDonalds Jones Stadium on Sunday, before Dimi Petratos equalised midway through the second half.

“It was one that got away,” Bridge told Fox Sports after the game.

“We didn’t really dominate the game.

“Both teams had their chances but it was a bit sloppy to be honest.The heat didn’t help but we both had to play in it.

“No excuses from us – we should have closed the game off in the first half.

“A lapse in concentration cost us and you can’t let that happen – one mistake can cost you the three points.

“That’s football – unfortunately we’ve got no luck at the moment – but onto the next one; we’ve got a big game next week against Victory,” he said.

Jets v WSW

 

After featuring from the bench in his side’s first two games of the season, Bridge put in a second consecutive 90-minute shift on his return to the Hyundai A-League.

“It’s going to take time,” he said. “I was out for a long time – I had 13 months between 90-minute games.

“At my age it’s hard to get the fitness back straight away.

“I’m getting the minutes under my belt which is good and it’s only going to make me better come season’s end.”

Mark Bridge