Saturday’s action jet-starts at Hunter Stadium where Wellington look to back up from their win in round 19, in order to defy Newcastle for the first time this season.
Last time they met
Newcastle are unbeaten against the Nix in their last three encounters, including two surprising wins this season, the first in the opening round in New Zealand, and the second just five weeks ago at Hunter Stadium. The latter saw a Jets outfit that had not scored in six games slot three past an outclassed and outwitted Wellington to bag a much needed 3-1 win. That win seemed to kick-start a renewed confidence in Scott Miller’s men, and since they have only failed to find the back of the net once. Given the side knows it has the goods to down the Nix, it is positioned well this weekend.
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Jets finding a new lease on life?
That win not only saw Newcastle pick up a much needed three points and break their run of games without a goal (just before the record held by the New Zealand Knights), but was also the apparent catalyst for a new lease on life in the Hunter region. Since their defeat of Wellington, the Jets have been a more positive, attacking side and, despite a 6-1 defeat to Perth, have held Brisbane Roar to a draw, beaten Melbourne City, and were downed by United by the smallest of margins. Given this improvement in form falls in pattern with the Jets’ surprising form following their round one win over the Nix, another meeting with the Kiwis could see them make a very late push for finals football.
Nix’s incredible win over Western Sydney
While Newcastle’s 2-1 home win over Melbourne City was a surprise, it was quickly outdone the following round by Wellington Phoenix’s 5-2 thrashing of Western Sydney last weekend. The Nix’s incredible performance not only saw Blake Powell bag the first hat-trick of the season on his way to eventually nabbing four, but the Wanderers conceded five goals for the first time in their history. If Powell can back up and show the same tenacity, then the Jets’ less-impenetrable defence will have a tough 90 minutes on its hands, but like so many of Wellington’s impressive outings this season, their incredible showing could disappear as quick as it came.
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