Newcastle Jets
Hunter Stadium
Friday, 15 Feb 2013
7:30AM AEDT
Melbourne Heart
M Birighitti
0
D Ritter
5
S Gallaway
13
T Regan
14
J Brown
7
R Zadkovich
0
J Brillante
12
E Heskey
9
M Bridges
19
A Taggart
22
R Griffiths
23
B Kennedy
1
C Goodwin
15
M Cooper
0
J Robert Virgili
17
Z Caravella
3
Preview: Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Heart
Date: Friday 15 February, 2013
Kick-off: 7.3pm AEDT, 7.30pm local
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Head-to-head
Played: 8 Wins: Newcastle 3, Heart 3, Draws: 2
Previous encounter
Heart 2, Newcastle 1, 1 January 2013
Form:
Past five matches:
Newcastle: LDDDW
Heart: WLLWL
The Game
Melbourne Heart could rush new Dutch signing Marcel Meeuwis into their squad for the trip to play Newcastle Jets if the midfielder's clearance comes through on time. Meeuwis has been signed to fill the void left by Vince Grella's retirement, although last week's 2-0 victory over Perth Glory could mean Heart head coach John Aloisi opts for no change for Friday's journey north.
Having lost Grella, as well as defenders Aziz Behich and Michael Marrone, who have transferred overseas, Aloisi believes he needs more depth in midfield. Matt Thompson, Jonathan Germano and Nick Kalmar started as a midfield trio against Glory and impressed. But with Germano and Thompson both having previously played in defence, Aloisi may see their futures further back, with Meeuwis anchoring the midfield.
Jets head coach Gary van Egmond needs to turn his side's form around if they are to challenge the likes of Heart and Sydney FC, who sit fifth and sixth in the finals positions. Newcastle have not won in four matches. The solution may be to strengthen the defence, with Dominik Ritter (hamstring) and Taylor Regan (calf) both possible inclusions after stints out with injury having played in the Jets' NYL team last week.
The big issue
Jets - Despite not having won in four games, Newcastle have picked up six points in their past five matches. The Jets defeated Brisbane Roar 1-0 on January 12 before a run of three draws was broken last week with a loss to Western Sydney Wanderers. In that run, however, Newcastle have scored four of their five goals in the second half. What does Van Egmond have to do to get his team firing before half-time? If the Jets can find a way to lead at the break, it could be tough for Heart to fight back.
Heart - Heart moved into the top six last week courtesy of their home victory over Perth and with the return of striker Eli Babalj, who scored against the West Australians, Aloisi's team looks a decent shot at making the finals. But can the team from Melbourne's red half find a way to win outside Victoria? Heart have won just one 'away' match this season, the opening round derby at Etihad Stadium, but have only picked up one point outside Victoria; a 0-0 draw against Sydney FC. With four away games in the last seven rounds, Heart need to improve on the road to ensure they make the finals.
Gamebreaker
Eli Babalj - The 20-year-old striker's stint in Serbia may have gone badly but Babalj looks set to play a key role for Heart towards the end of this season. Heart are the lowest goal-scorers of any team in the top six but Babalj should make a difference with his 194-centimetre frame and ability to find space in the penalty area.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Heart.
Hunter Stadium is not a happy hunting ground for Heart. The men in red and white have only won once in Newcastle and with their poor away form this season, Heart will be happy to take anything they can from Friday night's clash.
Both teams have been very inconsistent this season with Heart having only claimed consecutive victories once, while Newcastle have gone on bursts. The Jets began the season with three wins from four but lost all but one of their five games in December.
In a match where both teams will hope to pick up points to improve their hopes of playing finals, a draw seems the likely outcome.
Kick-off: 7.3pm AEDT, 7.30pm local
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Head-to-head
Played: 8 Wins: Newcastle 3, Heart 3, Draws: 2
Previous encounter
Heart 2, Newcastle 1, 1 January 2013
Form:
Past five matches:
Newcastle: LDDDW
Heart: WLLWL
The Game
Melbourne Heart could rush new Dutch signing Marcel Meeuwis into their squad for the trip to play Newcastle Jets if the midfielder's clearance comes through on time. Meeuwis has been signed to fill the void left by Vince Grella's retirement, although last week's 2-0 victory over Perth Glory could mean Heart head coach John Aloisi opts for no change for Friday's journey north.
Having lost Grella, as well as defenders Aziz Behich and Michael Marrone, who have transferred overseas, Aloisi believes he needs more depth in midfield. Matt Thompson, Jonathan Germano and Nick Kalmar started as a midfield trio against Glory and impressed. But with Germano and Thompson both having previously played in defence, Aloisi may see their futures further back, with Meeuwis anchoring the midfield.
Jets head coach Gary van Egmond needs to turn his side's form around if they are to challenge the likes of Heart and Sydney FC, who sit fifth and sixth in the finals positions. Newcastle have not won in four matches. The solution may be to strengthen the defence, with Dominik Ritter (hamstring) and Taylor Regan (calf) both possible inclusions after stints out with injury having played in the Jets' NYL team last week.
The big issue
Jets - Despite not having won in four games, Newcastle have picked up six points in their past five matches. The Jets defeated Brisbane Roar 1-0 on January 12 before a run of three draws was broken last week with a loss to Western Sydney Wanderers. In that run, however, Newcastle have scored four of their five goals in the second half. What does Van Egmond have to do to get his team firing before half-time? If the Jets can find a way to lead at the break, it could be tough for Heart to fight back.
Heart - Heart moved into the top six last week courtesy of their home victory over Perth and with the return of striker Eli Babalj, who scored against the West Australians, Aloisi's team looks a decent shot at making the finals. But can the team from Melbourne's red half find a way to win outside Victoria? Heart have won just one 'away' match this season, the opening round derby at Etihad Stadium, but have only picked up one point outside Victoria; a 0-0 draw against Sydney FC. With four away games in the last seven rounds, Heart need to improve on the road to ensure they make the finals.
Gamebreaker
Eli Babalj - The 20-year-old striker's stint in Serbia may have gone badly but Babalj looks set to play a key role for Heart towards the end of this season. Heart are the lowest goal-scorers of any team in the top six but Babalj should make a difference with his 194-centimetre frame and ability to find space in the penalty area.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Heart.
Hunter Stadium is not a happy hunting ground for Heart. The men in red and white have only won once in Newcastle and with their poor away form this season, Heart will be happy to take anything they can from Friday night's clash.
Both teams have been very inconsistent this season with Heart having only claimed consecutive victories once, while Newcastle have gone on bursts. The Jets began the season with three wins from four but lost all but one of their five games in December.
In a match where both teams will hope to pick up points to improve their hopes of playing finals, a draw seems the likely outcome.
League Position
Top Scorers
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
| Goals | Pens | First | Last |
Discipline
| Yellow | Red | Total |
| Yellow | Red | Total |
93:00
Full time is called with the Newcastle Jets defeating Melbourne Heart 2-0 to keep the battle for fifth and sixth alive. This one will go down to the wire.
90:00
The board is up and three minutes will be added onto the second half.
88:30
The Heart are trying for a late surge but Babalj is caught offside.
85:00
The Jets clear their bench with Caravella replaced by Goodwin.
80:40
GOAL JETS - The ball is in the air and congested. Griffiths is first to the ball and his first touch is delicate to round Redmayne and bounce in to the back of the net. Jets leading 2-0.
79:00
11,396 fans have attended Hunter Stadium to see the Jets.
78:00
Heart make their final change with Mebrahtu coming on for Williams. Hopefully for the Heart he can score a Gol Gol.
74:40
The Jets make another change with Virgili coming on for the goal scoring Emile Heskey.
71:00
Garcia gets the cross onto Babalj but he heads harmlessly over the bar.
69:30
As soon as Melbourne Heart jump on a plane their form seems to deteriorate. Tonight, it seems like a continuation of the same.
66:40
Cooper comes on for Bridges for the Jets who make their first change.
64:50
Taggart gets it outside the box and fires in a good strike which beats Redmayne at the near post. Unfortunately it hits the near post and the Heart scramble it out.
62:50
Williams breaks into the box and shoots but it's blocked by Regan and out for a corner.
61:20
Heart make their second change with Meeuwis coming on for Germano.
59:30
Newcastle are getting on top and the Heart will really need to work on executing their game plan if they are to take anything away from this match.
56:50
Melbourne Heart make their first change with Kalmar making way for Fred.
53:30
Sloppy defending by Colosimo presents Zadkovich with the ball. he doesn't wait for the invitation before pulling the trigger, but again the shot is wide.
52:20
Kalmar starts running and is left alone. He gets to the edge of the box and just misses.
49:00
Zadkovich tries one from outside the box and it just whizzes past the post.
47:30
It's been all Heart in the early stages of the second half.
45:01
Bridges and Taggart get things rolling for the second half.
45:00
Half-time is called with the Jets leading one nil thanks to Emile Heskey's strike.
44:55
Two minutes of stoppages to be played at the end of the first half.
42:30
Gallaway with pace slides it to Heskey but he couldn't control the strike and shoots it over.
39:30
Brillante passes to Taggart who fires in the shot from just outside the box, but it's wide of the post for a goal kick.
36:35
Zadkovich tries to clear but it comes off Williams and out for a goal kick.
35:00
Babalj again works hard to get to the ball but Regan is there to block the shot and out it goes for a corner.
31:10
Taggart with the first time ball to Griffiths who is unable to direct it on target.
28:10
Caravella is issued with the yellow card for sliding in on Garcia.
25:00
Babalj has been in the referee's ear all match and deservedly is issued with the yellow card for saying one thing too many.
24:00
Babalj times his run perfectly to meet the cross by Thompson but he smashes his shot against the woodwork. The rebound goes to Williams who slams it over.
21:30
Walker cops the full brunt of a shot at goal by Gallaway in a part where he would not want to be hit and he needs a couple of minutes to regain his composure.
19:00
Melbourne Heart level up on the yellow card count with Germano booked for his late challenge on Caravella.
16:50
Gallaway tackles Garcia with his studs showing and is booked. Heart with the set piece opportunity.
15:40
The goal is jt what this match needed with both sides opening up.
12:10
Babalj is released behind the full back, but his first touch is too heavy which takes him wide. The shot hits the side netting.
10:20
GOAL JETS - Griffiths plays through Heskey who strides into the box with confidence. He looks at Redmayne and shoots inside the near post under Redmayne who really should have stopped that.
086:00
C. Goodwin enters the game and replaces Z. Caravella.
085:00
P. Gerhardt is yellow-carded.
081:00
R. Griffiths has scored a goal for Newcastle Jets!
08:10
Kalmar fouls Caravella giving the Jets a set piece opportunity but the Heart defence knocks it straight out.
079:00
D. Williams is done for the day. G. Mebrahtu is his replacement.
075:00
J. Virgili comes on for E. Heskey.
066:00
M. Cooper enters the game and replaces M. Bridges.
062:00
M. Meeuwis enters play, replacing J. Germano.
057:00
N. Kalmar is replaced with Fred.
056:00
R. García gets yellow.
05:30
Griffiths gets onto his left boot and shoots for the near post. Griffiths doesn't generate as much power as liked and Redmayne makes the save.
03:00
It has been an even first few minutes with neither side really threatening.
028:00
Z. Caravella receives a yellow card.
025:00
E. Babalj is yellow-carded.
019:00
J. Germano goes into the referee''s book.
017:00
S. Gallaway is cautioned by the referee.
010:00
Goal to Newcastle Jets, scored by E. Heskey!
00:01
Kalmar and Babalj kick off to get proceedings underway.
00:00
Welcome to Hunter Stadium with the Jets hosting Melbourne Heart.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 0 | Shots | 0 |
| 0 | Shots Off | 0 |
| 0 | Corners | 0 |
| 0 | Offside | 0 |
| 0 | Fouls | 0 |
| 2 | Yellows | 4 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: C. Beath
Jets shoot down Heart
Goals to Emile Heskey and Ryan Griffiths have helped the Newcastle Jets leap back into the top six with a strong 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.
Jets coach Gary van Egmond paired Heskey and Michael Bridges for the first time this season, starting the former EPL players in behind Socceroo Adam Taggart and the tactical change paid off as Newcastle looked much more dangerous in front of goal as they outplayed Heart for the majority.
Heskey opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a wonderful striker before Griffiths sealed the win with a smart goal 10 minutes from the final whistle.
Heart striker Eli Babalj threatened every time he got the ball, rattling the post in the 25th minute but for the most part, the visitors were forced to attack on the counter.
The Jets dictated play from the outset and went ahead in the 10th minute courtesy of a thundering strike from Heskey.
Griffiths pierced an intelligent ball into the box for the former England international who slammed a right-foot strike from 15 metres out that squeezed under Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne and into the net.
The Heart almost struck back three minutes later when Jonathan Germano lobbed a ball over the top for Babalj who streaked into space and took the ball into the box but fired his shot from an acute angle into the side netting.
Newcastle continued to look the more productive side and they engineered a couple of chances through the middle of the park.
Left fullback Sam Gallaway had a shot blocked by Jeremy Walker after a penetrating run from his own half while Redmayne did well to get down low to save a shot from Taggart after an industrious build-up.
The Heart should have equalised in the 25th minute when Richard Garcia was put into space down the right wing with a delightful switched ball by Nick Kalmar.
Garcia crossed into the back post where an unmarked Babalj sent his volley clattering into the post.
Zenon Caravella and Bridges had half chances for the home side before Babalj forced a sharp save from Birighitti right on the stroke of half-time to see the sides head to the sheds with Newcastle leading 1-0.
Jets skipper Ruben Zadkovich had the first chance of the second half in the 50th minute when he collected the ball 25 metres out after a patient build-up and fired a vicious right-footed shot just wide of the far post.
Zadkovich went close again a few moments later when he dispossessed Simon Colosimo just 30 metres out from goal and took the ball to the edge of the area before slicing a low shot just wide of the far post.
Heart coach John Aloisi went to his bench bringing on Fred and Marcel Meeuwis for Kalmar and Germano.
For the most part the visitors were still forced to attack on the counter, but looked dangerous when they did.
David Williams had his shot blocked by Taylor Regan after a good run down the left flank before Babalj shot wide after being put into space by Matt Thompson.
Down the other end Taggart almost snatched his first goal for the Jets when he was allowed to run across the 18-yard line before firing a right-footed shot that beat Redmayne but smacked into the post.
The Jets sealed the match 10 minutes from full-time when Taggart put an intelligent ball through for Griffiths who streaked into the box before lobbing a shot over Redmayne for his ninth goal of the season and to secure a vital three points for the Newcastle side.
Newcastle Jets 2 (Heskey 10, Griffiths 80)
Melbourne Heart 0
Crowd: TBC at Hunter Stadium
Jets coach Gary van Egmond paired Heskey and Michael Bridges for the first time this season, starting the former EPL players in behind Socceroo Adam Taggart and the tactical change paid off as Newcastle looked much more dangerous in front of goal as they outplayed Heart for the majority.
Heskey opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a wonderful striker before Griffiths sealed the win with a smart goal 10 minutes from the final whistle.
Heart striker Eli Babalj threatened every time he got the ball, rattling the post in the 25th minute but for the most part, the visitors were forced to attack on the counter.
The Jets dictated play from the outset and went ahead in the 10th minute courtesy of a thundering strike from Heskey.
Griffiths pierced an intelligent ball into the box for the former England international who slammed a right-foot strike from 15 metres out that squeezed under Heart goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne and into the net.
The Heart almost struck back three minutes later when Jonathan Germano lobbed a ball over the top for Babalj who streaked into space and took the ball into the box but fired his shot from an acute angle into the side netting.
Newcastle continued to look the more productive side and they engineered a couple of chances through the middle of the park.
Left fullback Sam Gallaway had a shot blocked by Jeremy Walker after a penetrating run from his own half while Redmayne did well to get down low to save a shot from Taggart after an industrious build-up.
The Heart should have equalised in the 25th minute when Richard Garcia was put into space down the right wing with a delightful switched ball by Nick Kalmar.
Garcia crossed into the back post where an unmarked Babalj sent his volley clattering into the post.
Zenon Caravella and Bridges had half chances for the home side before Babalj forced a sharp save from Birighitti right on the stroke of half-time to see the sides head to the sheds with Newcastle leading 1-0.
Jets skipper Ruben Zadkovich had the first chance of the second half in the 50th minute when he collected the ball 25 metres out after a patient build-up and fired a vicious right-footed shot just wide of the far post.
Zadkovich went close again a few moments later when he dispossessed Simon Colosimo just 30 metres out from goal and took the ball to the edge of the area before slicing a low shot just wide of the far post.
Heart coach John Aloisi went to his bench bringing on Fred and Marcel Meeuwis for Kalmar and Germano.
For the most part the visitors were still forced to attack on the counter, but looked dangerous when they did.
David Williams had his shot blocked by Taylor Regan after a good run down the left flank before Babalj shot wide after being put into space by Matt Thompson.
Down the other end Taggart almost snatched his first goal for the Jets when he was allowed to run across the 18-yard line before firing a right-footed shot that beat Redmayne but smacked into the post.
The Jets sealed the match 10 minutes from full-time when Taggart put an intelligent ball through for Griffiths who streaked into the box before lobbing a shot over Redmayne for his ninth goal of the season and to secure a vital three points for the Newcastle side.
Newcastle Jets 2 (Heskey 10, Griffiths 80)
Melbourne Heart 0
Crowd: TBC at Hunter Stadium
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 0 | Shots | 0 |
| 0 | Shots Off | 0 |
| 0 | Corners | 0 |
| 0 | Offside | 0 |
| 0 | Fouls | 0 |
| 2 | Yellows | 4 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: C. Beath
93:00
Full time is called with the Newcastle Jets defeating Melbourne Heart 2-0 to keep the battle for fifth and sixth alive. This one will go down to the wire.
90:00
The board is up and three minutes will be added onto the second half.
88:30
The Heart are trying for a late surge but Babalj is caught offside.
85:00
The Jets clear their bench with Caravella replaced by Goodwin.
80:40
GOAL JETS - The ball is in the air and congested. Griffiths is first to the ball and his first touch is delicate to round Redmayne and bounce in to the back of the net. Jets leading 2-0.
79:00
11,396 fans have attended Hunter Stadium to see the Jets.
78:00
Heart make their final change with Mebrahtu coming on for Williams. Hopefully for the Heart he can score a Gol Gol.
74:40
The Jets make another change with Virgili coming on for the goal scoring Emile Heskey.
71:00
Garcia gets the cross onto Babalj but he heads harmlessly over the bar.
69:30
As soon as Melbourne Heart jump on a plane their form seems to deteriorate. Tonight, it seems like a continuation of the same.
66:40
Cooper comes on for Bridges for the Jets who make their first change.
64:50
Taggart gets it outside the box and fires in a good strike which beats Redmayne at the near post. Unfortunately it hits the near post and the Heart scramble it out.
62:50
Williams breaks into the box and shoots but it's blocked by Regan and out for a corner.
61:20
Heart make their second change with Meeuwis coming on for Germano.
59:30
Newcastle are getting on top and the Heart will really need to work on executing their game plan if they are to take anything away from this match.
56:50
Melbourne Heart make their first change with Kalmar making way for Fred.
53:30
Sloppy defending by Colosimo presents Zadkovich with the ball. he doesn't wait for the invitation before pulling the trigger, but again the shot is wide.
52:20
Kalmar starts running and is left alone. He gets to the edge of the box and just misses.
49:00
Zadkovich tries one from outside the box and it just whizzes past the post.
47:30
It's been all Heart in the early stages of the second half.
45:01
Bridges and Taggart get things rolling for the second half.
45:00
Half-time is called with the Jets leading one nil thanks to Emile Heskey's strike.
44:55
Two minutes of stoppages to be played at the end of the first half.
42:30
Gallaway with pace slides it to Heskey but he couldn't control the strike and shoots it over.
39:30
Brillante passes to Taggart who fires in the shot from just outside the box, but it's wide of the post for a goal kick.
36:35
Zadkovich tries to clear but it comes off Williams and out for a goal kick.
35:00
Babalj again works hard to get to the ball but Regan is there to block the shot and out it goes for a corner.
31:10
Taggart with the first time ball to Griffiths who is unable to direct it on target.
28:10
Caravella is issued with the yellow card for sliding in on Garcia.
25:00
Babalj has been in the referee's ear all match and deservedly is issued with the yellow card for saying one thing too many.
24:00
Babalj times his run perfectly to meet the cross by Thompson but he smashes his shot against the woodwork. The rebound goes to Williams who slams it over.
21:30
Walker cops the full brunt of a shot at goal by Gallaway in a part where he would not want to be hit and he needs a couple of minutes to regain his composure.
19:00
Melbourne Heart level up on the yellow card count with Germano booked for his late challenge on Caravella.
16:50
Gallaway tackles Garcia with his studs showing and is booked. Heart with the set piece opportunity.
15:40
The goal is jt what this match needed with both sides opening up.
12:10
Babalj is released behind the full back, but his first touch is too heavy which takes him wide. The shot hits the side netting.
10:20
GOAL JETS - Griffiths plays through Heskey who strides into the box with confidence. He looks at Redmayne and shoots inside the near post under Redmayne who really should have stopped that.
086:00
C. Goodwin enters the game and replaces Z. Caravella.
085:00
P. Gerhardt is yellow-carded.
081:00
R. Griffiths has scored a goal for Newcastle Jets!
08:10
Kalmar fouls Caravella giving the Jets a set piece opportunity but the Heart defence knocks it straight out.
079:00
D. Williams is done for the day. G. Mebrahtu is his replacement.
075:00
J. Virgili comes on for E. Heskey.
066:00
M. Cooper enters the game and replaces M. Bridges.
062:00
M. Meeuwis enters play, replacing J. Germano.
057:00
N. Kalmar is replaced with Fred.
056:00
R. García gets yellow.
05:30
Griffiths gets onto his left boot and shoots for the near post. Griffiths doesn't generate as much power as liked and Redmayne makes the save.
03:00
It has been an even first few minutes with neither side really threatening.
028:00
Z. Caravella receives a yellow card.
025:00
E. Babalj is yellow-carded.
019:00
J. Germano goes into the referee''s book.
017:00
S. Gallaway is cautioned by the referee.
010:00
Goal to Newcastle Jets, scored by E. Heskey!
00:01
Kalmar and Babalj kick off to get proceedings underway.
00:00
Welcome to Hunter Stadium with the Jets hosting Melbourne Heart.
| Home Team | Statistic | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 0 | Shots | 0 |
| 0 | Shots Off | 0 |
| 0 | Corners | 0 |
| 0 | Offside | 0 |
| 0 | Fouls | 0 |
| 2 | Yellows | 4 |
| 0 | Reds | 0 |
0%
0%
Possession
Referee: C. Beath
20
A Redmayne
4
S Colosimo
6
P Gerhardt
21
J Coyne
8
M Thompson
11
R García
13
J Germano
22
N Kalmar
25
J Walker
15
D Williams
36
E Babalj
1
C Bolton
5
H Carreiro Da Silva
16
M Meeuwis
14
G Mebrahtu