The Newcastle Jets have solidified their position in the A-League top six with a convincing 3-0 victory over Melbourne Hear at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.
It was a match played in tough conditions as the match kicked off in a storm, with a hail storm up the F3 in Sydney but somehow the weather held off for long enough for the match to be completed.
Melbourne Heart started the better side, as Rutger Worm and Wayne Srhoj were doing well in midfield but they failed to create any real clear cut chances.
After weathering that early storm the Jets finally took the lead in the 23rd minute as Tarek Elrich made a great run down the left before cutting inside on Michael Marrone and send a pinpoint cross for Jeremy Brockie who connected with a glancing header putting it in the back of the net.
Just minutes later the Jets almost made it 2-0 as Jacob Pepper sent a nice ball for Francis Jeffers who sent his shot just wide.
In the 27th minute the Jets had yet another chance as they continued to dominate, as Elrich sent a really sharp chance on goal only to be denied by a spectacular Clint Bolton save.
Yet again Bolton was put under pressure as Sung-Hwan Byun sent in a wonerful freekick in the 35th minute from 25 yards but Bolton made a spectacular save to keep the Jets down to a 1-0 half time lead.
The Heart again started the half the better side having a golden opportunity just after the break as the Jets could only half clear the ball which then fell to Paul Reid whose shot was well saved by Ben Kennedy.
Just two minutes after the break though, the Jets had their second as Byun sent in another beautiful free-kick which allowed Ryan Griffiths to score with a nice header.
From that point it was all Newcastle as they completely dominated the match leaving the Heart with no chance as they also countered well.
Michael Bridges returned just after the hour mark and in the 76th minute he had his first goal since his return to the club as he tapped home a great Ruben Zadkovich through ball.
Late on the Jets almost had a fourth, missing several late chances, first Elrich shot wide after an impressive run, then Bridges had a powerful shot in the 85th minute tapped over the bar.
Melbourne Heart didn't give up and kept pressing, Alex Terra making a good turn and shot which was well saved by Kennedy to keep the Jets 3-0 up for an impressive win.
Comments