Newcastle Jets dampen Victory finals hopes

Melbourne Victory’s chances of making a run at the Hyundai A-League championship seem highly unlikely after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.

Despite the home side making a bright start to the contest, dominating much of the early goings, Newcastle opened the scoring against the run of play. With twenty minutes gone Jobe Wheelhouse delivered a wonderful cross from the right which was chested down by Tarek Elrich to the feet of Griffiths who cleverly flicked the ball past.

Four minutes later Melbourne were back on level terms after Harry Kewell squeezed his penalty past Jets keeper Ben Kennedy, after Tiago was judged to have pulled down Luzardo. The visitors however retook the lead in the 13th minute after a tricky Ruben Zadkovich low cross was blasted past Ante Covic by Pepper.

Newcastle further halted Victory with five minutes remaining in the first half, with a goal reminiscent of the second. Another Zadkovich low cross from the left was met by Pepper who easily beat Covic to score his second.

Moments later Jim Magilton decided to replace Matthew Kemp with Leigh Broxham, which infuriated the full back who stormed down the tunnel following the decision.

“His reaction was unacceptable, totally unacceptable. We will see if he plays again for Melbourne Victory” said Magilton.

With only seconds remaining in the half, Victory had a chance to reduce the deficit from the spot after Zadkovich brought down Kewell in the penalty area. The Socceroo again stepped up however this time blasted his effort over the bar.

Despite the great start Magilton was made to rue his side defensive errors.

"As a group we have defended well throughout the last month. Today I think we conceded three bad goals."


His opposite number Gary Van Egmond was pleased with the way his side took their goals.

“In the first half there was some great football from both teams. We scored some magnificent goals which was a result of the players working hard and working together.”

The second half failed to live up to the entertainment of the first half, as Victory failed to create any openings, with the away side happy to hold on to their two goal deficit.

The notable moment of the second half a second yellow shown to Victory playmaker Carlos Hernandez for a sliding tackle which left Magilton seething.

“For me it definitely was not a booking, it was not worthy for a yellow card”.

Despite the decision not playing a role in the game last night, Hernandez will be a big loss ahead of the Sydney clash next week. Magilton remains adamant that his side can still play Finals Series football.

“The season is still not over, it is just the beginning. The result today is obviously disappointing, but we must stay confident and get back to work on Monday and get ready for Sydney”

The Victory gaffer may show signs of confidence and positivity ahead of the last four rounds, however knows very well his sides chances of making the top six seems highly unlikely and must rely heavily on results to go their way starting next week with a win over Sydney at SFS (now Allianz Stadium).

For Van Egmond talks of a championship remain premature knowing very well his side must concentrate in the remaining fixtures if they are to repeat their heroics of 2007/08.


The Football Sack's 'Player of the Year’points

1 Ben Kantarovski

2 Ruben Zadkovich

3 Jacob Pepper