Newcastle in Asia?

Newcastle Jets 2 Perth Glory 1

Who scored, the turning point(s), why Simon Hill and Robbie Slater got it wrong last night, what the Glory need now and so much more:)

Goals:

Joel Griffiths now has 12 and is the top scorer in an A-League season ever!
Jamie Harnwell..has more goals than Socceroo Alex Brosque!
Mark Bridge, tucked a lovely winner away past a quickly ageing Michael Petkovic.



Turning point
Possibly two. Was Joel Griffiths goal off-side? Could well have been. Seen worse linesman decisions in crucial positions this year. Oh and great marking Perth:)

Nicky Rizzo

Got the red mist for some innocuous decision going against him. Flew into Tarek Elrich. Later than a Sydney train, chopped him to boot, handbags flew and Rizzo was sent.

Simon Hill and Robbie Slater reckoned no need to send him. Rizzo made the ref make a decision. In fairness he was so late it was almost like he just tackled Elrich in open play with no ball in sight.

What was Nicky Rizzo doing? And hasn't he been a massive disappointment since returning to Australia from the hallowed leagues of England.

Of interest

Nikita Rukavystya. Had some wonderful chances. Took up great positions. Could be the top scorer next year. Let's hope he stays injury free and David Mitchell knows how to harness the young flyer. What a prospect. With increasing confidence and pace to burn watch him go.

James Holland

Called up for the Socceroos training squad. Like his touches, has ability to get into the box a la dare I say it Tim Cahill. Struggled at times last night. Will be great to see him developing next season.

Newcastle's chances of winning the minor premiership

Well got stronger once Mark Bridge finished a wonderful move. Reduced when they were unable to find another goal, even create a chance.

Can't seeing them benefiting from the three teams above drawing or losing....but you just never know do you:)

Perth Glory

Would like to see Jamie Harnwell move on. Attract a better more skillful striker. This could change the pointy end of the team. Easier said than done.

You just always feel with Jamie upfront this team is in hold mode, despite his goals and work-rate.

James Downey, Nikita, are ones for next season and beyond. But defensive errors persist. Two shocking goals conceded last night.

At times this Glory side are sound. Looked good again with ten men last night. Need to replace Simon Colosimo. Get rid of Stan Lazaridis (sorry Stan) Jamie Harnwell (at least replace him up front).

So basically they need a centre mid, a striker and maybe even a centre back, and a goalkeeper. Young Tando Velaphi hasn't convinced me yet.

Mitchell needs to recruit a spine, so that tells you the real strength of the existing team.

Getting such players to Perth on the salary cap is not an easy job. So don't be surprised to see Jamie, Stan and even Hayden Foxe back in the starting line-up next year.