Newcastle coach Phil Stubbins warned his side would prove the doubters right and finish last if they made a habit of their limp performance in a 4-0 loss to the Brisbane Roar.
Stubbins, in his first season as an A-League head coach, had found plenty of positives during a winless five-game start to the season but could not see any on Friday night as the Jets barely fired a shot against the defending premiers in front of 10,216 people at Hunter Stadium.
Henrique, who came on in the 36th minute, scored three goals and played the last pass in the other scoring move as Brisbane dismantled the Jets in the second half for their first win following four losses.
Tipped by many as wooden spoon this season, the Jets earned just two points from their first five games but led in three matches and showed potential to be a competitive force.
However, on Friday, Newcastle struggled to move the ball out of their own half while providing Henrique and co with space and time to attack.
Newcastle’s next assignment is away next Saturday against Western Sydney, who’ve lost their opening three games and are desperate for a first win.
Stubbins was at a loss to explain the inept performance from the Jets but warned there would be more tough times ahead if they did not show greater commitment and focus.
“The quality is one thing. The effort, endeavour and approach and your mindset and mentality is another.
“As a group today, I certainly wasn’t proud about how the troops went about their business.
“We need to set some standards in place to a team who does have a crack, regardless of the quality that’s available in the team or the squad, and actually go out there and represent the shirt in the right way.
“I’ve said all along, we need to fight above our weight and punch above our weight and you can see the players Brisbane Roar have got.
“And if we’re not at the races, in terms of coming to the table with fighting spirit, we’ve got no chance.
“That’s something that needs to lift.”
Stubbins later admitted he and his team, plus other sides outside the top six, were under pressure before adding: “They tipped us for the wooden spoon and I think if we associate ourselves with a performance like that, I think that’s where we are going to finish.”
While defender Scott Neville is expected back from a groin strain, Stubbins indicated 2010-11 Johnny Warren medallist Marcos Flores would also come into consideration for a starting position.
The Argentine playmaker surprisingly was an unused substitute against Brisbane.
“Marcos is a player now who is obviously well rested and we will see what he is about this coming week and he’ll be putting his hand up for next week’s game,” Stubbins said.
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