U16s Newcastle Jets have dropped their first points of the season against South Coast Flame following the 2-2 draw they conceded on Sunday afternoon at LMRFF Speers Point. With 6 players unavailable for the match, the Newcastle team lacked the composure and confidence which characterized it’s play so far this season. Not having played a competitive match in 2 weeks due to the washed out game at Prospect United the previous week in Sydney, probably didn’t help matters either!
The game began at a quick pace with both teams playing attacking open football. The South Coast team did not play like a team that had lost its past 5 consecutive matches. The Newcastle Jets pressured the Flame goal forcing a number of corners but were unable to find a way through.
During a sustained Newcastle attack, the South Coast team counter-attacked from their left, catching our players forward and despite our efforts to close them down, a simple tap in was all that was required from a cross across the face of our goal! This was our 3rd goal conceded in 11 matches!
The South Coast team then defended in numbers, pressed us at every opportunity and counter-attacked from both flanks. Despite a handful of opportunities by the Newcastle players they were unable to break through the human wall and went into half time 1-0 down!
The second half began in the same way as in the first with the Newcastle Jets probing the South Coast defense and the latter, simply sitting back and looking for the odd counter-attack. On one such occasion the Flame were caught high up and the Jets were able to counter from the right and bring back the game level 1-1!
Tactically, South Coast came out of their shell and both teams treated spectators with entertaining attacking football. During one such attacking move, a Jets player was tripped inside the box and the Jets were awarded a penalty. This was easily converted into a goal and it appeared the team got out of jail. With the score line at 2-1 it looked like the Jets would secure another win to keep their maximum points tally intact.
And just when spectators thought the game was over, a well executed volley by a Flame player from outside the box levelled the game to 2-2!
Newcastle Jets vs South Coast Flame on Sunday 8th May at LMRFF Speers Point.
U18s Jets lost 4-2
U16s Jets drew 2-2
U15s Jets lost 4-2
U14s Jets won 2-1
U13s Jets won 2-1
U16s Round 12 FNSW Boy’s Youth League2 Results:
U16s FNSW Boy’s Youth League2 Table:
FNSW Boy’s Youth League2 Club Championship:
source: Tom Tsamouras
George Tsamouras Football Journey 