2 days Ago By James Gardiner
The Newcastle Jets fell 4-1 to a rampant Western Sydney Wanderers at Commbank Stadium on Friday night. Login or signup to continue reading The visitors were strong early, but once Wanderers' young gun Nic Milanovic scored from a deflected freekick in the 20 th minute, the game changed complexion. The Jets' heads dropped and Wanderers, aiming for their first win at home in seven matches, lifted a gear or two.
Milanovic finished with a hat-trick. The Jets were left with a long bus ride home. Here is what we learned from round two.
Coach Rob Stanton refused to use it as an excuse, but there was no doubt that the Jets didn't benefit from the bye. Spirits were high after a rare come-from-behind 2-1 triumph over Melbourne City in round two. But instead of carrying momentum into the next weekend, the Jets had to cool their heels for 14 days between games.
Young players need consistency to thrive. Now the league recesses for a week due to a FIFA international window. The inclusion of Auckland into the competition means the Jets have further byes in round nine and round 21.
By then, the young squad should have found rhythm. Stanton will also look at the team's preparation to ensure there is not a repeat of the lacklustre effort. Kosta Grozos, as well as wearing the captain's armband, has taken on the responsibility from the penalty spot.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was the man last season. So far so good for Grozos. The midfielder, who scored goals for fun in youth league, was a picture of concentration as he dispatched a missile into the top right corner after Clayton Taylor was brought down in the box on Friday night.
Grozos was equally clinical with his spot kick in the 4-3 loss to Macarthur in the Australia Cup round of 16. Stanton will always back his young players. The coach, before anyone, accepts responsibility for poor performances.
But Friday night showed that he is not afraid to pull punches. With the Jets down 2-0 and momentum firmly with Wanderers, Stanton made a rare triple-sub at the break. Striker Ben Gibson, left back Daniel Wilmering and Brazilian attacker Wellissol were hooked for "some poor decisions".
Stanton added: "I could have punished a few more to be honest." The season is only in its infancy. Three points from three games, though not great, is far from season-defining.
What the defeat to Wanderers did signal was that the Jets can't afford to have three or four players below their best. And with an F3 derby against the defending champions next, Stanton faces some selection choices. Timmins (ribs), Taylor (calf) and Phil Cancar (achilles) are both fully recovered from minor issues.
Lachy Rose (hip) could also be available for his first appearance of the season. The recruitment of former Spain and Manchester United superstar Juan Mata brought widespread fanfare. The marquee midfielder was expected to draw eyeballs to television screens and put bums on seats.
The jury is out on that matter. Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic admitted before the Jets clash that he was still working out the best way to fully utilise the World Cup winner. He played just seven minutes against the Jets in front of a home crowd of just 6220.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald. James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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