Mark Hughes at Baddeley Park
The Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United have played out a 0-0 draw in their second round match of the Pre-season Cup.
The first half was a subdued affair with Reds captain Travis Dodd having the only two real chances of the first 45. The second half was more exciting with the two teams chancing their hand infront of goal but neither able to find the net.
The draw sees Adelaide maintain its lead in group A, while the Jets have two draws from its two matches so far in the Pre-season Cup.
Adelaide started the game with a full-blooded chance with Dodd sprinting into the box and firing a shot just wide of the right post in the opening minute of the match as the sleepy Jets defence struggled to find their shape.
Newcastle eventually found its rhythm with young Korean playmaker Jin Hyung Song troubling the Reds defence down the right flank with his speed and skill and Adam D'Apuzzo looking dangerous on the other side of the field.
But despite the home side gaining control in the middle of the park it was unable to convert its advantage in the final third with no significant shot on goal in the opening half.
Reds midfielders Lucas Pantelis and Jonas Salley looked threatening for the visitors and the pair worked together to put Dodd in the clear but he could only fire his long-range effort over the bar to leave the score 0-0 after a dour first half.
The second half offered more spark and the home side finally got its first attempt on goal in the 52nd minute with Song only being thwarted by the legs of Reds keeper Eugene Galekovic. From the ensuing corner Adam Griffiths rose high but headed his shot wide.
Moments later Adelaide had its best chance of the second stanza when Brazilian striker Cristiano headed down a long ball for countrymen Alamao to streak into the penalty area but he could only fire his shot straight at the advancing Ante Covic, who was able to parry the ball away.
With the play moving from end to end it was the Jets who had the next chance with Jobe Wheelhouse firing a good ball across to a sliding Ben Kantarovski at the back post, but the talented teenager could only push the ball over the post with his sliding shot.
Down the other end Jason Spagnuolo, who replaced Scott Jamieson at half time, had a prime opportunity to break the deadlock when he got the ball on the penalty spot after a corner but Griffiths defended well to block the shot and ensure the points were shared.
Newcastle 0
Adelaide United 0
Crowd 2756 at Baddeley Park, Cessnock