Coach Gary van Egmond's not complaining about a four-game unbeaten streak, but he admits he'll be happier with a few more goals as Newcastle Jets look to secure a berth in the A-League play-offs.
The Jets currently sit fifth on the ladder after drawing 1-1 with Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on Sunday. But on 22 points, and with five other teams within five points, van Egmond realises they have to start scoring goals more regularly.
Although Newcastle haven't been beaten in their last four games, they've only recorded one win, a 1-0 victory over Brisbane Roar two weeks ago.
They have, however, battled to valuable scoreless draws against competition leaders Central Coast Mariners, and fourth-placed Adelaide United.
Emile Heskey nodded home the equaliser for the Jets against the Phoenix on Sunday, his seventh goal for the season, but only the Jets' second in over six hours of football.
"We probably scored a lot more goals earlier in the year, but we probably weren't getting the results and we didn't have nearly anywhere near as many clean sheets," van Egmond said.
He says he'll be taking a close look at Newcastle's defensive strategies, and whether or not they're affecting Newcastle's goal-scoring options.
"We have to have a little bit of a look at it from the perspective of how we look to defend, and where we look to defend."
The problem doesn't lie with a lack of quality opportunities in and around the penalty box, he added.
"I think it's more a case of us getting better in regards to decision making.
"It's the last pass, or the last run someone makes, or the last touch.
"Whatever it might be, that's where we have to get better, because we're getting the ball in that front third often enough."
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