It’s time to make home advantage count, as Newcastle bid to finally get their own back on Wellington Phoenix!
It’s time to make home advantage count, as Newcastle bid to finally get their own back on Wellington Phoenix!
If ever there is a match-up between two Hyundai A-League teams where the game’s location is pivotal, it’s when Newcastle and Wellington face-off.
Both sides boast fine home records and patchy away form. So the Jets will be delighted that this Friday’s clash takes place in New South Wales, as it affords them the opportunity for some payback against the side that has beaten them twice in New Zealand this season.
After goals in each half from Tim Brown and Daniel gave Phoenix a 2-0 victory in October, they punished the Jets even further in Week 12, when Dani Sanchez and Mirjan Pavlovic inspired the home team to a stunning 5-2 victory. Now though, it’s time for Newcastle to make the most of their outstanding home support and give Wellington a taste of their own medicine.
So, Squadron, raise your voices and get ready for payback. Phoenix have humbled your club twice in the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season, you can help ensure that they don’t claim a hat-trick.
Despite having fallen to Wellington on two occasions this season, the Jets will go into this Friday’s match-up in very high spirits, following a well-earned draw against runaway leaders Central Coast Mariners last Saturday.
In front of nearly 11,000 noisy supporters (including a large contingent of noisy Newcastle fans) in a tense and exciting F3 derby at Bluetongue Stadium, it looked as though the Jets might even pick up the rarest of away wins after Labinot Haliti struck early and then Troy Hearfield missed a penalty for their bitter rivals. While Patrick Zwaanswijk’s second-half equaliser eventually denied Newcastle a fantastic win, the draw is still a fine result, and sends them into the clash with Phoenix confident they can go one better.
While Wellington’s away form has been typically poor this season, last weekend they fired a warning shot to Newcastle with their first win on the road.
A late header from Tim Brown earned all three points after a brave defensive performance. The clean sheet, especially, will give them confidence to go to New South Wales and try to claim back-to-back wins.
The Squadron will be hoping for similar entertainment to that which they were offered the last time Newcastle took to the field at Ausgrid Stadium, when Gold Coast United were beaten by the odd goal in five. In an absolute thriller, the home side took a two-goal lead through Jeremy Brockie’s brace before the Gold Coast launched a fightback to draw level with less than 15 minutes to play.
However, rather than dropping their heads, Newcastle’s players lifted their game while The Squadron raised their voices, and Haliti’s 79th minute winner was met by wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.
It’s sure to be a Friday night thriller at Ausgrid Stadium, as Newcastle Jets aim to continue their strong home form and send Wellington Phoenix packing with nothing to show for their travels. A win would propel the home side right back toward where they feel they belong – the top six – so get your ticket today and show that you are fully behind Gary van Egmond and his troops as they search for three valuable points!
