The Melbourne Victory W-League team is hoping to bounce back with a victory against the Newcastle Jets in round eight of the Westfield W-League this weekend.
The Melbourne Victory W-League team is hoping to bounce back with a victory against the Newcastle Jets in round eight of the Westfield W-League this weekend.
Victory have lost their last two matches against Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory, but are confident they can get the points against Newcastle at Wanderers Oval on Sunday afternoon. Melbourne Victory coach, Vicki Linton, said a victory was crucial in order for the team to stay in finals contention.
“This is a really important away game for us. It-s such a short season and every game counts, it will be a really tough match as both teams are battling for spots in the middle of the table,” Linton said.
Despite the 1-0 loss, Linton was happy with the team-s performance in their last match before the break.
“The performance was ok against Perth. We-ve been building on that, our focus has been on key tactical things that we need to improve on, but it-s been difficult over the Christmas break.
“As you-d expect in the middle of the season there-s a few people with a couple of niggling injuries. Gulcan (Koca) injured her ankle at training just before Christmas and she will be out for a number of weeks.”
Melbourne Victory currently sits sixth on the Westfield W-League ladder, just behind the Newcastle Jets who occupy fifth spot.
“It should be pretty even, we expect a tough battle against them, they showed a lot of toughness when they overcame Sydney a few weeks ago, they have a good mix of experience and youth. But we-re confident and the girls are really keen to get back out on the field after the break,” Linton said.
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Wanderers Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off time: 3.00pm
Melbourne Victory: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Rita MANKOWSKA, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 5. Louisa BISBY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Jodie TAYLOR, 11. Kendall FLETCHER, 12. Amy JACKSON, 13. Ashley BROWN, 17. Caitlin FRIEND, 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 19. Enza BARILLA, 20. Brianna DAVEY (GK).
In: Nil
Out: 16. Gulcan KOCA (ankle)
Unavailable: 7. Snez VELJANOVSKA
