Saints no match for the Jets in friendly encounter

Mark Milligan’s era as head coach of the Newcastle Jets has officially kicked off with a comfortable 4-1 win over National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW side St George FC in a friendly match at Barton Park on a cold Wednesday night.

The Jets “took off” early and led 3-0 at half time courtesy of goals from striker Xavier Bertoncello, left winger Ollie Cockele and mid-fielder Max Burgess.

The Jets fielded a mixture of first team and youth players in both halves with all twenty-four players involved who made the trip to Sydney.

St George FC Under 20 winger Matthew Macarthur had a moment he will remember with a stunning strike to reduce the deficit to 3-1

However, Newcastle winger Kota Mizunuma had the final say to end the goalscoring for the night.

Both coaches were happy with the “hit out”.

Newcastle Coach Mark Milligan was pleased with the club’s first trial.

“It’s only two weeks until our first Cup game. It was good exposure for our nine Academy players.

“I want the players to take responsibility and ownership and they started to do that tonight.

“I am finding ways to implement the culture I want- I want a hard-working team who are good to watch,” he concluded.

Across the corridor St George Coach Fabien Miceli wasn’t concerned with the result.

“It was an opportunity to play against a higher level.

“To test against the best.

“The Under 20 players we had out there benefited from the experience -so too, the first graders like midfielder Evan Souris.

“The 22-year-old has now had the unique experience of playing both with and against an A-League club in the last fortnight.

“He trialled with Melbourne Victory against newly promoted English Championship club Wrexham FC.

” It was a taste at the highest level and he loved it.

“I was happy with my performance. Now it’s a wait and see situation.”

St George FC have to “back-up” on Sunday when they are away to the improving Central Coast Mariners who are on a four-game unbeaten run, as they strive to avoid relegation from the NPL Men’s NSW competition.

By Tony Peters