The equation is simple for the Jets youth team – win, and you’re a chance.
With two games to go and six points separating Newcastle from top spot on the Foxtel Y-League ladder, the numbers say the Jets can storm home to a maiden youth premiership.
It’ll take a massive effort though, and for everything to fall perfectly into place, but all the Jets can worry about now is knocking off Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
A-LEAGUE: Backing up in Melbourne
The trip down to Lambert Park won’t be easy for the Jets, who went down 2-0 to Sydney in the opening round of the Foxtel Y-League back in November.
A lot of confidence will have been taken from Thursday night’s big 5-1 win over league leaders, Western Sydney Wanderers, and it’ll require a similar big effort on Saturday.
Sydney are also in the mix for that spot atop the NYL Conference B ladder, sitting level with the Jets on nine points but with a game in hand.
They’ll be looking to bounce back from a tough defeat last weekend after they were trounced 3-0 by the Mariners.
Team news
The win over the Wanderers was assisted by a swag of first-team players dropping back amongst the Jets ranks.
Mitch Austin, Nick Cowburn, and Ivan Vujica were amongst those who came into the side last Thursday with Austin scoring twice.
One player who did get a chance in the Round 8 is goalkeeper, Tristan Esquilant.
He was picked ahead of Noah James, who has been sitting on the Hyundai A-League bench after Glen Moss’ injury, and Esquilant acquitted himself well in his first Foxtel Y-League outing of the season.
From the coach
“We just need to focus on the next game, Sydney FC, and we need to worry about that first before we think about what could happen down the track,” coach, Labi Haliti said.
“If we start getting concerned with what could happen in two or three weeks time, that’s where you can lose focus of what the goal will be for Saturday’s game. First and foremost, we have to concentrate on Sydney.
“Sydney are a good side, always up there. The first game was a tight one, they ran away with it. We had chances in the first half, but they’re a good side and it’ll be a challenging game.
“We’re not sure which first grade boys will come, but obviously the ones that came in last weekend and scored, that’s always good. Part of our job is to help them and get them into the frame.
“Joey, who’s come back from injury, is looking forward to playing and we’re looking forward to having him. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
