There were certainly chances to take three points on Sunday afternoon, but it wasn’t to be for our Westfield W-League side.
Craig Deans mixed things up and opted for three at the back, and Katie Stengel got on the scoresheet in front of a crowd of almost 3,500.
REPORT: City too strong in Newcastle
This is what we learnt from Sunday’s loss at home.
Stengel’s back in the goals
After three assists in the opening five rounds of the competition, Katie Stengel was hanging out for her first goal of the campaign.
Just minutes after half-time, the American delivered – a nice strike past City ‘keeper Lydia Williams after being played in by Emily van Egmond.
It was a big effort from Stengel to overcome an ankle injury sustained earlier in the week, which was originally thought to be set to keep her out for a number of games.
Changing formation
Finding a way to accommodate the speed which is present among the Jets ranks was just one of the situations for boss, Craig Deans to ponder throughout last week.
By switching to three at the back and letting twin speedsters Gema Simon and Taylor Smith loose as wingbacks, the Jets looked good.
It didn’t quite come off on Sunday unfortunately, but with some tinkering the shift could pay off massively come next Saturday in Perth.
A saving grace
City’s margin looked comfortable in the end despite an extremely tight match but if not for the fantastic work of Jets keeper, Britt Eckerstrom it could have been more.
The American shot-stopper made an incredible seven saves throughout the course of the match to keep City at bay.
She’s been an absolute rock at the back so far this season, and the Jets custodian could well prove the difference as the season wears on.
