Jets strikepower hamstrung by injuries
Sept. 16, 2012, 9:21 p.m.
RYAN GRIFFITHS
THE Newcastle Jets' search for a striker has moved from a crucial to a critical stage.
With less than three weeks to the A-League season opener against Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium, the Jets have lost two of their main strike weapons to injuries and are yet to secure the signature of a much anticipated front man from overseas.
Ryan Griffiths will have scans today on a hamstring injury he sustained in the 1-all draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Oval on Saturday.
The early signs were not good. Griffiths, last season's equal leading goal-scorer with nine, collapsed to the ground clutching at his left leg. He was unable to continue, leaving the Jets, who had used their three substitutes, to play the final eight minutes with 10 men.
The 31-year-old had grabbed at the same leg earlier in the second half.
James Brown, who was likely to play on the left of Griffiths in a front three, is booked for surgery tomorrow to have a bone spur removed in his ankle and is unlikely to be available until at least round three.
By that point it would have been more than two months since his last game, the controversial 3-1 win over Wellington in Weston on August 18.
Adam Taggart has returned from Young Socceroo duties in Vietnam. James Virgili was outstanding on the right against Wanderers.
But between them they have 24 A-League appearances and three goals.
Marko Jesic came off the bench on Saturday but has not scored an A-League goal in more than a year.
Veteran Michael Bridges is still gaining full fitness after a hamstring injury and is considered more of an impact player. Brazilian Bernardo Ribeiro produced some nice touches in his first start on Saturday but looks more a creator than finisher.
The Jets have been in talks with a Brazilian striker, and the Herald understands that former fan favourite Joel Griffiths is back in the frame.
It was reported yesterday that 34-year-old former England striker Emile Heskey has knocked back an offer to join the Jets.
The Jets coaching staff were not available to speak to the Herald on Saturday, but in the past week Gary van Egmond and assistant Craig Deans have said they need to be "more clinical" and have a "cutting edge" in the final third.
A large percentage of the Jets' goals in recent weeks have come from deeper.
Defender Scott Neville produced a cracking shot from 20 metres to put the Jets ahead after seven minutes against Wanderers.
Midfielder Ruben Zadkovich curled in a free kick from just outside the box in the 1-all draw with Sydney FC.
Griffiths was on the spot to slot home a flick from Marko Jesic in the 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar in Tamworth.
Left back Craig Goodwin scored a brace and Jesic added the third in the 3-1 triumph over an eight-man Wellington side.
Goodwin was used in a more advanced role against Wanderers.
He was again dangerous and combined well with Ribeiro.
Most of the Jets' thrust, especially in the first half, came down the right.
Virgili used his pace to burn a path past former Jet Adam D'Apuzzo.
He sprayed a shot over the bar in the 20th minute.
Five minutes later he beat D'Apuzzo again and delivered a cross to the back post.
Goodwin got in front of his defender but could not get a touch.
Two minutes before the break Virgili made a slalom run into the penalty area and was felled, but appeals for a penalty were denied.
Playing with a strong wind at their back, the Jets dominated the first half.
They were first to the ball, pressured the visitors in defence and caused havoc down both flanks.
Mark Bridge, one of five former Jets at the Wanderers, had the visitors' first shot on goal in the 43rd minute, a crisp volley which was easily held by Mark Birighitti.
Jobe Wheelhouse did not return after the break and the sting disappeared out of the Jets' game.
Mateo Poljak started to have more influence in midfield for the visitors, which enabled Dino Kresinger to get into the game.
The Croatian striker equalised in the 61st minute when he muscled his way past the defence and headed a D'Apuzzo cross into the right corner.
Both sides had chances at a winner.
Jets defender Josh Mitchell lifted a snap shot over the bar from close range, Goodwin had a goal-bound attempt tipped over and substitute Mitch Oxborrow pulled a low drive to the right.
Substitute Shannon Cole had Wanderers' best chance when a corner fell to his feet, but he could not beat Birighitti from point-blank range.
The match erupted in the dying moments when Cole reacted to a late tackle from Neville. Former Jet Nikolai Topor-Stanley raced 30 metres to join in, but referee Ben Williams quickly regained control. All three were issued yellow cards.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/33...juries/?cs=306
Originally Posted by plague
