Victory 0 Jets 2 Full-time

Victory slumped to another home defeat to Newcastle Jets.

A defining result in the season for both clubs? It could well be.

The Griffiths brothers scored a goal each and Victory had little response on the pitch.

Off the pitch the crowd support was outstanding.


The Champions after ten games are clearly struggling. They huffed and puffed much more than they did against Perth. With tremendous home support they pushed forward, even after Steve Pantelidis was sent-off for an elbow after 60 minutes, but they didn't create much inside the box.

The Jets set back for most of the game. And really weren't able to get the ball, even with an extra man, but you always felt they would get a chance.

Roddy Vargas helped the Jets, playing the ball straight to Mark Bridge, who found Joel Griffiths in space and he ran it into goal.

An intriguing game. Ernie Merrick, the Victory Coach, has problems. Danny Allsopp is so so and the team has little width. Leigh Broxham and Kevin Muscat and Grant Brebner rarely run beyond the front two, or wide, so the Victory have become much easier to defend against.

The Jets are strong. Strong in defence and they defended with pride and numbers all night.

Coach Gary Van Egmond seemed stressed all night. But he'll be delighted with this result.

Half-time report

This game made a great start. Full of intrigue. It was a strong first half in Melbourne.

Victory started at pace. Joe Keenan was flinging the ball in early, with his ma and pa watching having flown over from England, but little came from it. That seems to be the way with Keenan's wing play.

Promises much but what has he really delivered in forward play this season. Not bad, but not much really.


The Jets weathered the storm and went up front and scored with basically their first attack. Adam Griffiths headed home from a Adam D'Apuzzo cross. Danny Allsopp, big Danny was pushed aside.

What could the Victory do?

Not much not really. They kept the ball but couldn't break through. Archie Thompson finished the half with energy and skill. He looked alive, and he hasn't really this season.

Carlos Hernandez had another good start, but still not really good enough. Losing the ball at times, therefore losing momentum for Victory.

Joe Keenan got forward less and less, and Matty Kemp over-ran numerous chances on the right.

Victory look most dangerous on the break or when they have width. But they have no wingers on the pitch, and it's hard to be effective on the break at home.

The Jets were physical and strong. Neat passing and of course raw energy with Joel Griffiths in attack.

Denni is pleasing the eye, Mark Bridge and Griffiths could have had a second.

Should be a great second half.