An enthralling prospect awaits as the high-flying Newcastle Jets seek to maintain their momentum with a third consecutive win.
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Saturday 12 November 2011
Adamstown Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 3pm
An enthralling prospect awaits as the high-flying Newcastle Jets seek to maintain their momentum with a third consecutive win. Conversely, Sydney FC have endured an erratic opening to their season with just four points from a possible nine. Defeat here would really put the premiers off the pace, with leaders Canberra United already holding a five-point margin.
Sydney misfired in attack last week against United, however, coach Alen Stajcic will take solace from the quantity of chances created.
The Sky Blues poured on the pressure in the second half but some wayward finishing, and some typically dynamic goalkeeping from Matildas shotstopper Lydia Williams, kept the scoresheet blank.
Nevertheless the cavalry is on the horizon. Stajcic hopes to have ace goalgetter Leena Khamis back from her spell in Denmark this weekend. The Sky Blues will surely also have Caitlin Foord making her first start after injury following consecutive substitute appearances, while Heather Garriock continues her return to full match fitness following injury.
The Jets needed some Lisa De Vanna magic last weekend to ultimately get the better of Brisbane Roar 3-2, thanks to two penalties in the final 20 minutes.
However, whichever you look at it, a defeat of the Roar on their own turf dispels any doubt of whether the Jets are genuine title contenders. Adding an extra layer of intrigue will be the Jets trio of Linda O-Neill, Nicola Bolger and Young Matildas captain Alanna Kennedy, who will face their former team for the first time.
Match Squads
Newcastle Jets squad: 1.Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2.Hannah BREWER, 3.Alanna KENNEDY, 4.Gemma PEARCE, 5.Alex HUYNH, 6.Nicola BOLGER, 7.Gema SIMON, 8.Linda O’NEILL, 9.Tara ANDREWS, 10.Emily VAN EGMOND, 11.Lisa DE VANNA, 12.Monnique KOFOED, 13.Stacey DAY, 14.Bronte BATES, 15.Rhali DOBSON, 16.Cassandra KOPPEN, 17.Ariane HINGST (c), 20.Alison LOGUE (gk)
*three to be omitted
Unavailable: nil
Sydney FC Squad: 1. Allison LIPSHER (gk), 15. Thea SLATYER, 3. Danielle BROGAN (C), 5. Estelle JOHNSON, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 4. Renee ROLLASON, Kylie LEDBROOK, Teresa POLIAS, 9. Sarah WALSH, 12. Teigen ALLEN, 8. Caitlin FOORD, 13. Brittany WHITTFIELD, 14. Rachael SOUTAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK, 20. Monique JACKSON (gk), 21.Chloe LOGARZO
* one to be omitted
In: Chloe LOGARZO (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Kyah Simon (injured), Victoria Balomenos (injured – season), Leena Khamis (overseas – 1 week), Alisha Bass, Sham Khamis (both international duty – Australia U-17)
