That’s six games without a win for the Western Sydney Wanderers, and seven for the Newcastle Jets, as the sides play out a 1-1 draw.
The Jets looked much better tonight, and the Wanderers were good in patches, but missed the pace and skill of Rukavytsya and Castelen in the last half hour.
FINAL SCORE:
Western Sydney 1
Newcastle 1
The Newcastle Jets will arrive at Pirtek Stadium confident that a result is possible, as they come up against the out-of-form Western Sydney Wanderers who play their third match in seven days. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:00pm (AEDT).
It truly is a bottom of the table clash, and one that doesn’t promise the most spectacular attacking display. However, both teams are capable of scoring goals, so perhaps the wooden spoon contenders can surprise us and put on an entertaining match of football.
Newcastle come into the match rested, recuperated and hungry for the first win of the season, and with players like Montano, Griffiths, Carney, Celeski and Flores; it surely is just a matter of time before the goals – and points – arrive thick and fast.
Though it’s never a good sign when the coach lacks confidence, as is the case with Phil Stubbins, who was “worried his side would prove doubters right” after the 4-0 defeat to Brisbane Roar in Round 5. The morale in the Jets’ camp is almost certainly low, so they will need to gather together and gel as a squad if they are to find a way around the well organised Wanderers.
Western Sydney bounce back from a gritty 0-0 draw with the Mariners on Wednesday to play their third game in seven days, but fatigue won’t be a problem, as Popovic’s rotation policy already comes in handy this season.
The AFC Coach of the Year Nominee has swapped nine starting players in the last two matches, so betting on tonights line up isn’t a great idea. Juric should start, and you can expect Topor-Stanley to slot in next to Spiranovic, as he didn’t play when away on international duty, and will be ready to go.
You can expect a good contest from these sides, as two teams with equally bad starts to the season will be looking to get something out of a match they feel they can both win, though one team (or both in the case of a draw) will walk away from Round 7 still winless.
The Wanderers have the home advantage, though Newcastle have a full weeks recovery. This one will be close, but we predict WSW 1-0 Newcastle.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:00pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
CmonJets
Guest
Not too good..A bunch of scary sh*the bags followed us out of the car park on the way to the station.. kicking at heals and pulling at back packs..pulled a guy out from the back snatched a flag and set upon him..We all had to go back and surround him while pushing back at the crowd as we were up against the fence. Cops eventually showed up after about 30 seconds and the grubs scattered. If this is the sign of things to come they had better start winning as there seems to be no character for losing with these grubs. Anyone else see this? All filmed by a jets supporter in the car park so hopefully the cops can lay charges. Disappointing end to what i thought was an entertaining match.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I was fairly positive after Wednesday, less so after today. Coaches, players and fans need to lift if we're going to be competitive against SFC next weekend.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Thats 6 games without a win for WSW, and seven for Newcastle Jets. The Jets looked much better tonight, and the Wanderers were good in patches, but missed the pace and skill of Rukavytsya and Castelen in the last half hour. Thanks for tuning in, see you next time.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Joel Griffiths popped up, but his header was off target. And that's the final chance of the game. Both teams still winless after Round 7. 90+4' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Corner for Jets, Well won by Hoole. 90+4' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Newcastle have possession in Wanderers half, but the attack diminishes as a stray ball designed for Hoole couldn't hit its mark. One more attack from Wanderers. 90+3' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Griffiths a bit rash on La Rocca, but still neither team can get a hold of the ball and work it up the park. A bit of ariel ping pong ensues. 90+2' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
4 minutes stoppage time to find a winner. 90+1' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Haliti wins a corner on the right wing, and Saba delivered, but both defences have been good from the set piece tonight. Haliti then lofts the ball over the box toward Juric, but Jaliens got the ball out for a corner. The ball fell to Haliti, but his shot was deflected behind for another corner. Jets are struggling to hang on. 90' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Griffiths wins the free kick on the right wing. Carney will have another chance to whip the ball in. He crosses from some distance out, but Covic collects far too easily. Poor delivery. 88' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Referee alllows him to stay on. Wanderers continue to attack, but haven't managed to get in behind since Bridge and Haliti replaced Castelen and Ruka. 84' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Madaschi down for a third time with that cramp. This is ridiculous. 84' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Cole goes long for Juric, but Jaliens beats him to the ball and clears out of danger. Newcastle can't get the ball. 82' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Juric runs around the outside, but couldn't get a decent cross in. The match has a fast tempo, and is exciting to watch despite the lack of goal mouth opportunities. 82' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Madaschi yellow card and stays down injured after a poor tackle. Limps off, and will have to go back on, as Newcastle have used three subs 80' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Great attack down the right from Hamill, who flicked the ball to Juric in the box. Juric connected with his head, but Kennedy saved with ease. 78' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Carney attacks down the right, and cuts onto his left, then swings the ball to the back post, though it was harshly overhit, and went high and wide of the goal. 76' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Pepper on for Jets. Juric fouls Madaschi in a 1-1 with the strong defender. He was all over him. Madaschi now down and Haliti coming on. More stops. Ruka off for Haliti. Great match for the pacy winger. 75' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Ruka comes back on. Game has slowed right down, and lost the pace and vigour that it had 10 minutes ago. Too many stops and starts. Lets play some football eh... 74' WSW 1-1 Jets
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Carney's delivery found Jaliens, who nodded down for Hoole. Hoole then cut the ball back toward where it came from, and took a shot on goal. Covic saves easily. Gallaway bad tackle on Rukavytsya had studs showing and made connection with Nikitia's foot, but the referee let it go. Ruka is still down. 72' WSW 1-1 Jets