Jets attacking trio to return against City

Jan 22, 2017 - 10:03 PM Newcastle A-League coach Mark Jones expects to regain his key attacking trio for a pivotal three weeks after ruing a "lack of silk" in the front third that sealed their downfall against Western Sydney.

The Jets' mini-revival, featuring one loss in six games, came undone against mid-table rivals the Wanderers in Campbelltown on Sunday.

The 2-1 setback pushed the Novocastrians down to eighth in the league standings and dents their hopes of a first finals berth in seven seasons.

And it was one clearly lacking a cutting edge up front in the absence of spearheads Andrew Hoole (suspended), Morten Nordstrand (concussion) and Wayne Brown (hip).

"We lacked that little bit of silk in the final third," Jones said.

"We had enough of the ball, just didn't do enough with it.

"And you take three players out of your front four, it makes a big difference - it affects the cohesion and rhythm."

Jones anticipated Hoole, Nordstrand and Brown would all be fit to return for Friday's crucial clash with Melbourne City in Coffs Harbour.

It's the first of a tough run for the Jets, who'll travel to Perth the following week before hosting Melbourne Victory back at McDonald Jones Stadium.

They're still only one point outside a play-off spot, but now sit bottom of a tight three-team battle for sixth place behind Wellington and the Wanderers.

Yet Jones was quick to dismiss any suggestion Sunday's loss would negatively impact his team's mentality.

"We've just been undefeated for six weeks, at some point you're going to lose a game," he said.

"Melbourne Victory have lost a couple now but I'm sure their belief doesn't change, and nor will ours."

Jones felt the Jets controlled the first half on Sunday but lamented a defensive slip that allowed young Western Sydney striker Lachlan Scott to score on the tick of halftime.

After the break Jaushua Sotirio doubled the lead to secure the Wanderers' first win in seven games.

Source: AAP