After two heavy losses leading to a Premiership win for Sydney FC, the second-placed Newcastle Jets need to save face ahead of the finals as they host Perth Glory at Macdonald Jones Stadium on Friday night. Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 7:50pm AEDT.
Ernie Merrick’s title hopefuls have conceded eight goals in their last two matches as well as failing to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season in their 3-0 loss at home to Melbourne City last week.
Midfielder Ben Kantarovski was stationed in central defence as one of many alternatives to the injured Nigel Boogard but it was a failed attempt to stop the goals from leaking.
Kantarovski is much better served in midfield as a stopper while flair players like Daniel Arzani were offered too much space to create chances, two of which led to goals.
With the return of Jason Hoffman from suspension, but the outgoing of Daniel Georgievski due to suspension, playing Lachlan Jackson in central defence is the safest bet considering he’s a natural in the position.
Englishman Wayne Brown also returns form injury but attacking freedom and creativity isn’t what they’ve missed, it’s work rate. That could be helped with a return to midfield for Ben Kantarovski.
Perth were inches away from raining on Sydney FC’s parade as they fought back from 3-0 down to come close to stealing a draw, losing 3-2.
Substitute Adam Taggart scored two scorching strikes to bring the fight to Sydney but it’s their second half performance that is required to get one over Newcastle.
Adam Taggart should earn a starting spot after his great performance, meanwhile, youngster and live wire Jacob Italiano is welcome backup in attack as Perth look to make a late charge for the finals which has opened up after the Wanderers loss to Melbourne Victory.
Last time these two sides met in Newcastle Taggart scored twice in a 2-2 draw. Can former Newcastle Jet Taggart cause more problems for his former employers?
Prediction
Another 2-2 draw between the two sides, it’s difficult to seperate them.
A score draw, 2-2.
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
Yeah. Well done Perth, they still have a shot at making the finals.
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Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Newcastle Jets were dealt another dagger blow as they lost their third match in a row going down 2-0 to Perth Glory at Macdonald Jones Stadium. Perth now overtake the Western Sydney Wanderers in seventh place heading into the final round of A-League football.
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Roar Guru
90' LIAM REDDY WITH A SUPER SAVE Champness has a powerful diving header straight into Reddy's midrift.
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Roar Guru
86' CHAMPNESS with a backheel attempt at goal but it's safe in the hands of Liam Reddy!
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Roar Guru
82' Castro has been brilliant as Ned Zelic gasps at his skill.
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Roar Guru
PERTH GLORY SUBSTITUTION OFF: Adam Taggart ON: Chris Harold
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Roar Guru
78' Some of the floodlights are out out on the field but play resumes. Looks like a metaphor for the end of the Jet's season.
fadida
Guest
Call it off. Too dark
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Roar Guru
72' What's happened to the Jets. Can't keep a foot on the ball and their creative players aren't making an impact
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Endless stream of passes with little to show in terms of strikes on goal.
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Roar Guru
70' Keogh skies one over the bar after nuemours passes in build up to Neville's cross.
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Roar Guru
66' Much slower second half as Perth sit back and soak up the pressure.
Kangajets
Guest
I agree Merrick has lost the plot with this team selection Vargas and cowburn are ridiculous paring What’s Champness done wrong
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Roar Guru
NEWCASTLE JETS SUBTITUTION OFF: Wayne Brown ON: Joey Champness The sub is subbed with injury.
Kangajets
Guest
Too late Vargas and cowburn are ridiculous paring What’s Champness done wrong
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Roar Guru
60' Mcgree with a powerful shot with the left foot has Reddy parrying it away.
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Roar Guru
NEWCASTLE JETS DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION OFF: Ronald Vargas ON: Pato Rodriguez OFF: Nick Cowburn ON: Wayne Brown
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Roar Guru
56' Taggart tries a follow up afterJack Duncan spilled the ball into the path of the striker but it was behind him on the snapshot.
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Roar Guru
51' Neville with plenty of lung busters to get Perth moving down the right.
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Roar Guru
50' Jets still finding a rhythm. Mcgree dropping deeper and deeper to get a foot on the ball.