06-05-new-can-prev

After a tough month on the road the Newcastle Jets return home to face Canberra United in Round 5 of the W-League.

After a bright start, the Newcastle Jets fell to Melbourne Victory 6-0 with a number of injuries further souring the results.

While Canberra United were handed their first loss of the season going down 1-0 to Brisbane Roar in a tight encounter.

The Jets started the better side in Melbourne and for the first 30 minutes it appeared they would be able to compete well against an in form Victory.  Although on top they couldn't make it count and were unable to create and make the most of the opportunities.

Then once the Melbourne midfield machine assumed control of the match, they were unable to force them back.  The heat, injuries and perhaps a lack of fitness also contributed to them falling away as the game progressed.

It has been a very tough start for the Jets this season conceding 18 goals in the four matches, however, despite the results not going the way they would like so far, the Jets have not been completely outplayed by any of their opponents. As in the Melbourne encounter, they have looked good in patches this season but need to lift as a unit and sustain it for long periods to be competitive at this level.

Newcastle  welcome back import player Ciara McCormack back into the side after injury kept her out last week. McCormack is player who’s experience will be drawn upon to try to fix troubles in defence.

As will seasoned Jets players Gema Simon, Rhali Dobson and Hannah Brewer, who have let the way so far and Elisa Campbell’s performances in goal lead to a Matildas call up for the friendly games against China.  These players need the next level to step up and assist them, which is a tough ask considering the inexperience below them.

Canberra United were brought down to earth last week thanks to a loss to Brisbane Roar.  Their first of the season, United struggled to break down a disciplined Roar defence, despite controlling a majority of the match.

Although she was well contained last weekend,  Michelle Heyman has been in fantastic form this season, reminiscent of two years ago when she won the golden boot in Canberra’s Championship winning season.

Her partnership with American imports Stephanie Ochs and Lori Lindsey has been a big part of Canberra’s success and United will be hoping she will return to form and goals this round.

Canberra would be expected to come away with the three points in this one however they will not be taking the home side lightly. They Jets put in a strong showing last time the two sides met in Canberra last season, as a Nicole Sykes goal was the only difference between the two sides in a closely fought contest.

Head to Head: Played 9, Newcastle 1, Canberra 8

Newcastle Jets v Canberra United

Saturday 14 December 2013

Wanderers Oval, Newcastle

Local kick-off: 3pm

Newcastle Jets squad:  1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 5. Ciara McCormack, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 8. Maddy Searl, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Lauren Brown, 19. Adriana Jones, 21. Claire Coelho (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Ciara McCormack (returns from injury), Lauren Brown (promoted), 20. Claire Coelho (promoted)

Outs: 15. Siahn Bozanic, Ainsley Buchanan (both omitted)

Unavailable: 11. Grace Macintyre (knee – six weeks), Libby Copus-Brown (ankle – 1-2 weeks),

Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS, Catherine BROWN, Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, Kendall FLETCHER, Ellie BRUSH, Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Jennifer BISSET, Trudy BURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS

Ins: Jenni Bisset (promoted)

Outs: Caitlin Munoz (omitted)

Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – indefinite)